Patent Publication Number: US-2020279559-A1

Title: Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program

Description:
FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Conventionally, various techniques for controlling speech outputs such as Text-to-Speech (TTS), for example, have been proposed. 
     For example, Patent Literature 1 below discloses a technique for changing speech which is output by a device in response to a detected person or operation. 
     CITATION LIST 
     Patent Literature 
     Patent Literature 1: JP 2016-35614 A. 
     SUMMARY 
     Technical Problem 
     Nevertheless, in the case of the technique disclosed in Patent Literature 1, no consideration is given to selecting, from among the results of sensing by a plurality of devices, sensing results which are used to estimate the state of a person. 
     Therefore, the present disclosure proposes a new and improved information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program that enable suitable determination of sensing results which are used in estimating a user state. 
     Solution to Problem 
     According to the present disclosure, an information processing apparatus is provided that includes: a determination unit that determines, on the basis of a predetermined reference, one or more second sensing results used in estimating a user state from among a plurality of first sensing results received from a plurality of devices; and an output control unit that controls an output of information on the basis of the one or more second sensing results. 
     Moreover, according to the present disclosure, an information processing method is provided that includes: determining, on the basis of a predetermined reference, one or more second sensing results used in estimating a user state from among a plurality of first sensing results received from a plurality of devices; and controlling, by a processor, an output of information on the basis of the one or more second sensing results. 
     Moreover, according to the present disclosure, a program is provided that causes a computer to function as: a determination unit that determines, on the basis of a predetermined reference, one or more second sensing results used in estimating a user state from among a plurality of first sensing results received from a plurality of devices; and an output control unit that controls an output of information on the basis of the one or more second sensing results. 
     Advantageous Effects of Invention 
     As explained above, the present disclosure enables suitable determination of sensing results which are used in estimating a user state. Note that the advantageous effects disclosed here are not necessarily limited, rather, the advantageous effects may be any advantageous effects disclosed in the present disclosure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration example of an information processing system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a device  20  according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a terminal  10  according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  is a diagram to illustrate an applied example according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  is a diagram to illustrate an applied example according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  is a diagram to illustrate an applied example according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of data of a sensing results provision request. 
         FIG. 8  is a diagram to illustrate an applied example according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 9  is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of sensing result transmission data in an applied example according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 10  is a diagram to illustrate an applied example according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 11  is a diagram to illustrate an applied example according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 12  is a diagram to illustrate an applied example according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 13  is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of correspondence data for feedback from users, in an applied example according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 14  is a sequence diagram illustrating a portion of a process flow according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 15  is a sequence diagram illustrating a portion of the process flow according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 16  is a sequence diagram illustrating a portion of the process flow according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 17  is a flowchart illustrating a portion of a “user state estimation process” according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 18  is a flowchart illustrating a portion of the “user state estimation process” according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 19  is a flowchart illustrating a portion of the “user state estimation process” according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 20  is a diagram to illustrate a specific example of user state estimation. 
         FIG. 21  is a diagram to illustrate a specific example of user state estimation. 
         FIG. 22  is a diagram to illustrate a specific example of user state estimation. 
         FIG. 23  is a diagram to illustrate a specific example of user state estimation. 
         FIG. 24  is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration example of an information processing system according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 25  is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the terminal  10  according to the second embodiment. 
         FIG. 26  is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a server  70  according to the second embodiment. 
         FIG. 27  is a sequence diagram illustrating a portion of the process flow according to the second embodiment. 
         FIG. 28  is a sequence diagram illustrating a portion of the process flow according to the second embodiment. 
         FIG. 29  is an explanatory diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the terminal  10  and which is common to each of the embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be explained in detail hereinbelow with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that duplicate descriptions are omitted from the present specification and drawings by assigning the same reference signs to constituent elements which have substantially the same function configurations. 
     Furthermore, in the present specification and drawings, a plurality of constituent elements having substantially the same function configurations are sometimes distinguished by appending different alphabetical characters to the end of the same reference signs. For example, a plurality of constituent elements having substantially the same function configurations are distinguished as device  20   a  and device  20   b  where necessary. However, if there is no particular need to distinguish between a plurality of constituent elements having substantially the same function configurations, the same reference signs are appended to such constituent elements. For example, if there is no particular need to distinguish between the device  20   a  and the device  20   b , same appear simply as the devices  20 . 
     Furthermore, the “Description of Embodiments” will be provided in the following order: 
     1. First Embodiment 
     2. Second Embodiment 
     3. Hardware configurations 
     4. Modification examples 
     The present disclosure may be carried out in a variety of modes as illustrated in detail in “1. First embodiment” to “2. Second embodiment” by way of an example. First, a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. 
     1. First Embodiment 
     1-1. System Configuration 
     First, a configuration example of an information processing system according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to  FIG. 1 . As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the information processing system according to the first embodiment has a terminal  10  and a plurality of devices  20 . For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the terminal  10  and the plurality of devices  20  can be located inside a predetermined space  4  (for example, in a house, in an office building or other facility, in a vehicle, or in a predetermined site outdoors, and so forth). 
     Note that, although  FIG. 1  illustrates an example in which the terminal  10  and the plurality of devices  20  are located in the same room (inside space  4 ), the location of the terminal  10  and plurality of devices  20  is not limited to this example. At least one of the terminal  10  and the plurality of devices  20 , and other equipment, may be located in mutually different rooms (inside space  4 ), or may be located on mutually different floors (inside space  4 ). 
     1-1-1. Terminal  10   
     The terminal  10  is an example of the information processing apparatus according to the present disclosure. The terminal  10  is an apparatus capable of outputting various information (for example, speech, video or music, and the like). For example, terminal  10  outputs, to a user  2  located in space  4 , speech that corresponds to predetermined notification information of a predetermined application service. Alternatively, terminal  10  outputs speech for an interaction with user  2 , of the predetermined application service. Here, speech may, for example, be synthesized speech such as TTS or may be recorded speech. A description with a focus on an example in which speech is synthesized speech will be provided hereinbelow. 
     This terminal  10  can be a stationary-type apparatus or a mobile apparatus, for example. By way of an example, terminal  10  may be a general-purpose personal computer (PC), a television receiver, video recording equipment, audio equipment (a loudspeaker or the like), a mobile phone such as a smartphone, for example, a tablet-type terminal, a digital camera, a portable music player, or a robot. A description with a focus on an example in which terminal  10  is a stationary-type apparatus in the form illustrated in  FIG. 1 , for example, will be provided hereinbelow. 
     Further, terminal  10  is capable of communicating with the plurality of devices  20  located in space  4  by means of wireless communications and/or wired communications. 
     1-1-2. Devices  20   
     The devices  20  are apparatuses arranged in space  4  or owned by user  2  (inside space  4 ). The devices  20  can be interconnected with other devices  20  and the terminal  10  as per a standard such as digital living network alliance (DLNA (registered trademark)), for example. Furthermore, the devices  20  may use a communications protocol such as Open Sound control (OSC), for example, to send and receive sound data such as speech, for example, to and from other devices  20  and the terminal  10 . 
     Although a refrigerator  20   a , a smartphone  20   b , and a smartwatch  20   c  are illustrated in  FIG. 1  by way of examples of the devices  20 , the devices  20  are not limited to this example. The devices  20  may, for example, be a stationary-type apparatus (for example, a household appliance or Internet of Things (IoT) device, or the like (a refrigerator, a microwave oven, a washing machine, a ventilating fan, a fixed-line telephone, a router, a general-purpose PC, a television receiver, video-recording equipment, audio equipment, or a robot, or the like)), a mobile apparatus (for example, a mobile phone such as a smartphone, a tablet-type terminal, a digital camera, or a portable music player, or the like), or a wearable apparatus (for example, a wearable (head-mounted display (HMD), or the like), a smartwatch, a smartband, headphones, or earphones, or the like). 
     1-1-3. Problems to be Confronted 
     The configuration of the information processing system according to the first embodiment has been described hereinabove. Incidentally, because user  2  is able to move freely inside space  4 , there may be cases where the terminal  10  is incapable of performing sensing with respect to user  2  or where sensing is difficult. In such cases, it is difficult for the terminal  10  to output information such as the speech of a notification to user  2 , in a form that is suitable for the state of user  2 , simply by using sensing results from terminal  10 . Consequently, there is a risk that the content of this information will not be adequately relayed to user  2 . 
     Therefore, focusing on the above issues resulted in the creation of the terminal  10  according to the first embodiment. The terminal  10  according to the first embodiment determines, on the basis of a predetermined reference, one or more selected sensing results used in estimating a user state from among a plurality of sensing results received from a plurality of devices  20 , and controls an output of information on the basis of the one or more selected sensing results. Accordingly, even when the terminal  10  is in a situation where sensing with respect to user  2  is difficult, for example, the terminal  10  is capable of outputting information in a form that is suitable for a user state. Here, the selected sensing results are an example of second sensing results of the present disclosure. The content of the first embodiment will be described in further detail hereinbelow. 
     1-2. Configuration: Device  20   
     A configuration according to the first embodiment will be described next.  FIG. 2  is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration example of device  20  according to the first embodiment. As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the terminal  10  has a control unit  200 , a communication unit  220 , a sensor unit  222 , and a storage unit  224 . 
     1-2-1. Sensor Unit  222   
     The sensor unit  222  may, for example, include at one of an acceleration sensor, an azimuth sensor, a distance sensor (for example, a time-of-flight system sensor or a stereo camera, or the like), a microphone, a temperature sensor, a camera (image sensor), a biometric sensor, and a myoelectric sensor. In addition, the sensor unit  222  may include a receiver that receives a positioning signal from a positioning satellite such as a global positioning system (GPS) or a global navigation satellite system (GLONASS), for example. 
     The sensor unit  222  is capable of sensing with respect to the state of a user. For example, the sensor unit  222  performs sensing (imaging, or the like, for example) with respect to movement of the user. By way of an example, the sensor unit  222  may sense the speed, direction, and distance, or the like, of the movement of the whole body of the user. Alternatively, the sensor unit  222  may sense the movement of the head, hands, or neck of the user. The sensor unit  222  may alternatively sense the face (facial expression or the like, for example) of the user. 
     Alternatively, the sensor unit  222  senses information on the vitals of the user (for example, the amount of perspiration of the hands and feet, the heart rate, the respiration rate, or disrupted brain wave activity, and so forth). Alternatively, the sensor unit  222  senses the state of the eyes of the user (for example, the frequency and number of blinks, movement and direction of line of sight, pupil dilation, and so forth). Alternatively, the sensor unit  222  senses whether or not the user has made a sound and the types of sounds the user has made (for example, verbal sounds, non-verbal sounds (groans, howling, laughter, and so forth, for example), humming and singing, or non-speech sounds (coughing, sneezing, and so forth, for example)). 
     Note that the individual sensors included in the sensor unit  222  may perform continuous sensing, may perform sensing periodically, or may perform sensing only in specified cases (cases where there is an instruction from the control unit  200 , or the like, for example). 
     1-2-2. Control Unit  200   
     The control unit  200  may be configured to include processing circuits such as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or the like, for example. The control unit  200  integrally controls the operations of the terminal  10 . For example, the control unit  200  controls the transmission of information to other apparatuses. The details will be provided subsequently, but in cases such as where a sensing results provision request has been received from the terminal  10 , the control unit  200  causes the communication unit  220  to transmit the sensing results from the sensor unit  222  to the terminal  10 . 
     In addition, the control unit  200  may perform predetermined recognition relating to the user state on the basis of the sensing results from the sensor unit  222 . For example, on the basis of the sensing results from the sensor unit  222  (captured images of the whole body of the user, for example), the control unit  200  may be capable of recognizing user gestures (for example, nodding of the head, waving of the hands, sitting, standing, running, walking, staying still, intense movement, and so forth). Furthermore, the control unit  200  may be capable of recognizing user emotions on the basis of the sensing results from the sensor unit  222  (captured images of the face of the user, and so forth, for example). For example, on the basis of the sensing results, the control unit  200  may recognize whether or not a user emotion is a positive emotion (joy and so forth), or a negative emotion (sorrow and so forth). 
     In addition, the control unit  200  may be capable of recognizing the level of user concentration on the basis of the sensing results from the sensor unit  222 . Furthermore, the control unit  200  may be capable of recognizing the level of relaxation of the user on the basis of the sensing results from the sensor unit  222 . By way of an example, the control unit  200  first recognizes whether or not the user is “resting” on the basis of the sensing results. Furthermore, if it is recognized that the user is “resting”, the control unit  200  may recognize that the level of relaxation of the user is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value. On the other hand, if it is recognized that the user is “not resting”, the control unit  200  may recognize that the level of relaxation of the user is less than the predetermined threshold value. 
     1-2-3. Communication Unit  220   
     The communication unit  220  sends and receives information to and from other apparatuses by means of wireless communications and/or wired communications, for example. For example, the communication unit  220  sends, to the terminal  10 , sensing results from various sensors (all of the sensors and the like, for example) included in the sensor unit  222  according to control by the control unit  200 . Furthermore, the communication unit  220  can receive, from the terminal  10 , a request to provide the sensing results of the sensor unit  222  or, as described subsequently, information indicating a user evaluation grade. 
     1-2-4. Storage Unit  224   
     The storage unit  224  stores various data and various software. For example, whenever the information indicating the user evaluation grade is received from terminal  10 , the storage unit  224  stores the information indicating the user evaluation grade. 
     1-3. Configuration: Terminal  10   
     A configuration example of the terminal  10  according to the first embodiment will be described next.  FIG. 3  is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the terminal  10  according to the first embodiment. As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the terminal  10  has a control unit  100 , a communication unit  120 , a sensor unit  122 , an output unit  124 , and a storage unit  126 . 
     1-3-1. Sensor Unit  122   
     The sensor unit  122  can include one or more cameras (image sensors) and a microphone with a plurality of channels (8ch, or the like, for example). For example, by virtue of having the microphone with a plurality of channels, the terminal  10  is capable of estimating the position of a sound source on the basis of sound collection results from the microphone. 
     In addition, the sensor unit  122  may, for example, include one or more of an acceleration sensor, an azimuth sensor, a distance sensor (for example, a time-of-flight system sensor or a stereo camera, or the like), a temperature sensor, a biometric sensor, and a myoelectric sensor. Furthermore, the sensor unit  122  may include a receiver that receives a positioning signal from a positioning satellite such as a GPS or GLONASS, for example. 
     1-3-1-1. User-Related Sensing 
     The sensor unit  122  can perform sensing with respect to user states (for example, user movements, user eye states, and types of sounds made by the user, and so forth). Note that a portion of the specific sensing content from the sensor unit  122  may also be the same as for the sensor unit  122  of the devices (mentioned earlier). 
     1-3-1-2. Feedback Sensing 
     As will be described subsequently with reference to  FIG. 11 , if the user provides feedback utterances regarding information outputs by the output unit  124 , the sensor unit  122  (the microphone, for example) is also capable of sensing these feedback utterances. For example, after information such as notification information for the user has been output by the output unit  124 , the user is able to make feedback utterances regarding the information output. In this case, the sensor unit  122  can sense the feedback utterances. Thus, terminal  10  can specify a user evaluation grade for the foregoing information output on the basis of the sensing results. 
     Alternatively, in response to the information output, the user can transmit, to the terminal  10 , feedback information regarding the information output by using a predetermined communications terminal (instead of utterances). In this case, the communication unit  120 , described subsequently, may receive the feedback information. 
     Note that the individual sensors included in the sensor unit  122  may perform continuous sensing, may perform sensing periodically, or may perform sensing only in specified cases (cases where there is an instruction from the control unit  100 , for example). 
     1-3-2. Control Unit  100   
     The control unit  100  may be configured to include processing circuits such as a CPU  150 , described subsequently, and a GPU, or the like, for example. The control unit  100  integrally controls the operations of the terminal  10 . In addition, as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the control unit  100  has a determination unit  102 , a user state estimation unit  104 , an output control unit  106 , and a transmission control unit  108 . 
     For example, the control unit  100  may perform predetermined recognition relating to user states (for example, gesture recognition and emotion recognition, and the like) on the basis of the sensing results from the sensor unit  122 . Note that a portion of the specific recognition content from the control unit  100  may also be the same as for the control unit  200  of the devices  20  (mentioned earlier). 
     1-3-3. Determination Unit  102   
     The determination unit  102  determines, on the basis of a predetermined reference, one or more selected sensing results used in estimating a user state from among a plurality of sensing results received from the plurality of devices  20 . For example, for each of a plurality of sensing types, the determination unit  102  determines the one or more selected sensing results by selecting, on the basis of the predetermined reference, the sensing results that correspond to the sensing type, respectively, from among a plurality of sensing results received from the plurality of devices  20 . Here, each of the plurality of sensing types may correspond to the type of each sensor. For example, the plurality of sensing types may include imaging, sound collection, and acceleration sensing, or heart rate sensing, or the like. 
     Alternatively, the determination unit  102  can also determine, on the basis of the predetermined reference, the one or more selected sensing results from among the plurality of sensing results received from the plurality of devices  20  and the sensing results from the sensor unit  122 . For example, for each of the plurality of sensing types and on the basis of the propriety of the user-related sensing that corresponds to the sensing type by the sensor unit  122 , or the accuracy of the user-related sensing results that correspond to the sensing type by the sensor unit  122 , and on the basis of the predetermined reference, the determination unit  102  may determine the one or more selected sensing results by selecting, on the basis of the predetermined reference, the sensing results that correspond to the sensing type, respectively, from among the plurality of sensing results received from the plurality of devices  20  and the sensing results from the sensor unit  122 . 
     By way of an example, for each of the plurality of sensing types, if the determination unit  102  determines that the user-related sensing that corresponds to the sensing type by the sensor unit  122  is impossible or if the accuracy of the user-related sensing results that correspond to the sensing type by the sensor unit  122  is lower than a predetermined threshold value, the determination unit  102  may select, on the basis of the predetermined reference, the sensing results that correspond to the sensing type, respectively, from among only the plurality of sensing results received from the plurality of devices  20 . In other words, in this case, the sensing results that correspond to the sensing type by the sensor unit  122  are not selected as the one or more selected sensing results. 
     For example, if the user cannot be seen in their entirety in an image captured by the camera of the sensor unit  122  or if only a portion of the body of the user can be seen, the determination unit  102  may select, as images and on the basis of the predetermined reference, one or more of any of the plurality of images received from the plurality of devices  20 . Alternatively, if the volume level of a sound made by the user in sound collection results by the microphone of the sensor unit  122  is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value, the determination unit  102  may select, as sounds and on the basis of the predetermined reference, one or more of any of a plurality of sound collection results received from the plurality of devices  20 . 
     1-3-3-1. Predetermined Reference 
     First Reference 
     The function of the foregoing determination unit  102  (the determination of selected sensing results) will be described in further detail hereinbelow. The foregoing predetermined reference may include the distance between each of the plurality of devices  20  and the user (may also be called the first reference hereinbelow). For example, for each of the plurality of sensing types, the determination unit  102  may determine the one or more selected sensing results by selecting, from among the plurality of sensing results received from the plurality of devices  20 , the sensing results that correspond to the sensing type by the device  20  closest to the user, respectively, among the plurality of devices  20 . 
     Second Reference 
     Furthermore, the foregoing predetermined reference may include performance information of each of the plurality of devices  20  (may also be called the second reference hereinbelow). For example, for each of the plurality of sensing types, the determination unit  102  may select, from among a plurality of sensing results received from a plurality of devices  20 , the sensing results that correspond to the sensing type by the device  20  having a superior sensing performance for the sensing type, respectively, among the plurality of devices  20 . By way of an example, with regard to images, the determination unit  102  may select, from among a plurality of images received from a plurality of devices  20 , an image that has been captured by the device  20  with the highest camera pixel count among the plurality of devices  20 . 
     Third Reference 
     Furthermore, the foregoing predetermined reference may include the reliability level (may also be called the third reference hereinbelow) of the manufacturing source for each of the plurality of devices  20 . For example, for each of the plurality of sensing types, the determination unit  102  may select, from among a plurality of sensing results received from a plurality of devices  20 , the sensing results that correspond to the sensing type of a device  20  for which the manufacturing source (the manufacturer or country of manufacture, for example) is more reliable, respectively, among the plurality of devices  20 . 
     Note that the reliability of each manufacturing source may be pre-registered. For example, the reliability of each manufacturing source may be pre-stored in the storage unit  126  or may be stored in an external apparatus (not illustrated) with which terminal  10  is capable of communicating via a predetermined network (the internet or the like), for example. 
     Fourth Reference 
     Further, the foregoing predetermined reference may include a user evaluation grade (sometimes also called the fourth reference hereinbelow) that is associated with each of the plurality of devices  20 . For example, for each of the plurality of sensing types, the determination unit  102  may select, from among a plurality of sensing results received from a plurality of devices  20 , the sensing results that correspond to the sensing type by a device  20  having a higher user evaluation grade stored in association with each of the plurality of devices  20 , respectively. 
     Combinations 
     Note that the foregoing predetermined reference may be a combination of a plurality of types of references. For example, the combination may be a combination of two or more of any of the foregoing four types of references or may be a combination of five or more types of references including the foregoing four types of references. In such cases, for each of the plurality of sensing types, the determination unit  102  may select, from among a plurality of sensing results received from a plurality of devices  20 , the sensing results that correspond to the sensing type, respectively, on the basis of the combination of the plurality of types of references and on the basis of a priority level associated with each of the plurality of types of references. 
     For example, the respective priority levels of the four types of priority levels may be prescribed such that the priority levels are, in descending order, a first reference (the distance between the devices  20  and the user), a second reference (the performance information of the devices  20 ), a third reference (the reliability level of the manufacturing source of the devices  20 ), and a fourth reference (a history of user evaluation grades for the devices  20 ). By way of an example, for each of the four types of references, the higher the priority level of the reference, the greater the weighting (factor) that is configured. In this case, the determination unit  102  first calculates, according to sensing type and for each of the plurality of sensing results received from the plurality of devices  20 , a weighted sum by using a value (evaluation value) obtained by evaluating the sensing results on the basis of each of the four types of references, and a weighting configured for each of the four types of references. Further, the determination unit  102  may determine, according to sensing type, the one or more selected sensing results by selecting the sensing results with the highest calculated weighted sum, respectively, from among the plurality of sensing results. 
     1-3-3-2. Modification Examples 
     As a modification example, the respective priority levels of the four types of references may be prescribed individually for each sensing type. For example, the reference with the highest priority level with respect to the sensing of speech and acceleration may be prescribed as the first reference and the reference with the highest priority level with respect to the sensing of images (camera) may be prescribed as the second reference. 
     As another modification example, for the camera (image sensing), the determination unit  102  may prioritize (as the selected sensing results) selection of captured images in which the face of the user is seen over selection of captured images in which the face of the user cannot be seen, instead of the selection being dependent on the first reference (the distance between the devices  20  and the user), for example. By means of this selection example, terminal  10  may be capable of recognizing the facial expressions of the user more accurately on the basis of the captured images. Thus, the accuracy with which user emotions are estimated can be improved. 
     As another modification example, the determination unit  102  may, with respect to sound, select (as the selected sensing results) one or more of the plurality of sensing results received from the plurality of devices  20  on the basis of a determination result regarding whether the sound of a collected user utterance is a direct sound or an indirect sound (reflected sound or the like). For example, the determination unit  102  may prioritize (as the selected sensing results) selection of sound collection results obtained by collecting user utterance sounds as direct sounds over selection of sound collection results obtained by collecting sounds (user utterance sounds) as indirect sounds. 
     1-3-4. User State Estimation Unit  104   
     1-3-4-1. User State Estimation 
     The user state estimation unit  104  estimates a user state by using one or more selected sensing results which have been determined by the determination unit  102 . For example, a plurality of types of predetermined states may be predefined. In this case, the user state estimation unit  104  may estimate whether a user state is any of the plurality of types of predetermined states, on the basis of predetermined determination references and of the one or more selected sensing results. Here, the predetermined determination references may include, for example, a determination result regarding whether or not the user is in an active state, a determination result regarding the type of sound made by the user, a determination result regarding whether or not the user is resting, a determination result regarding the concentration level of the user, and the like. 
     Here, the plurality of types of predetermined states include three types, namely, a “state for which notification should be emphasized”, a “state requiring subsequent notification”, and a “normal state”, for example. A “state for which notification should be emphasized” may be a state for which an information notification should be delivered to the user with greater emphasis than in a normal configuration (in other words, a state where the attention of the user should be gained). A “state requiring subsequent notification” may be a state for which information should not be output to the user currently and for which an information notification should be delivered after a predetermined time period has elapsed (in other words, a state where the user should be left alone). A “normal state” may be a state where notification information should be delivered to the user in a normal configuration. Note that, by way of a specific estimation example, “Sections 1 to 7”, for example, are provided subsequently. 
     1-3-4-2. Determination Relating to Predetermined Determination Reference 
     Note that the user state estimation unit  104  is also capable of making a determination that corresponds to the foregoing predetermined determination references. For example, the user state estimation unit  104  determines whether or not the user is in an active state by using the one or more selected sensing results. By way of an example, the user state estimation unit  104  may first recognize part of the body of the user that is moving by using the one or more selected sensing results. Then, if the part of the body that is moving is large, the user state estimation unit  104  determines that the user is in an active state. Furthermore, if the part of the body that is moving is small, the user state estimation unit  104  determines that the user is in an inactive state. 
     Further, the user state estimation unit  104  may determine whether or not the user has made a sound and may determine the type of sound made by the user by using the one or more selected sensing results (the collected sound results, for example). For example, the user state estimation unit  104  determines whether the type of sound made by the user is any of a verbal sound, humming, singing, a non-verbal sound, and a non-speech sound. 
     In addition, the user state estimation unit  104  is able to determine whether or not the user is resting by using the one or more selected sensing results. For example, the user state estimation unit  104  first determines the level of relaxation of the user by using the one or more selected sensing results. Then, if it is determined that the relaxation level is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, the user state estimation unit  104  determines that the user is “resting”. Furthermore, if it is determined that the level of relaxation is less than the predetermined threshold value, the user state estimation unit  104  determines that the user is “not resting”. 
     In addition, the user state estimation unit  104  may determine the concentration level of the user by using the one or more selected sensing results (captured images of the face, or the like, for example). For example, the user state estimation unit  104  first determines the number of blinks of the user by using the one or more selected sensing results. Furthermore, if it is determined that the number of blinks of the user is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, the user state estimation unit  104  determines that the user is not concentrating. In addition, if the number of blinks of the user is less than the predetermined threshold value, the user state estimation unit  104  determines that the user is not concentrating. 
     1-3-5. Output Control Unit  106   
     The output control unit  106  controls outputs of information (video, speech, music, and the like, for example) by the output unit  124 , which will be described subsequently. For example, the output control unit  106  causes the output unit  124  to output information such as notification information for the user, for example, on the basis of a user state estimated by the user state estimation unit  104 . 
     By way of an example, the output control unit  106  causes the output unit  124  to output speech that corresponds to the notification information for the user (sometimes also called “notification speech” hereinbelow), in an output form that corresponds to the user state estimated by the user state estimation unit  104 . In addition, the output control unit  106  may determine notification timing for the notification information on the basis of the user state estimated by the user state estimation unit  104  and may cause the output unit  124  to output, with the notification timing, speech that corresponds to the notification information. 
     1-3-5-1. Control Example 1 
     For example, suppose that it is estimated by the user state estimation unit  104  that the user state is a “state for which notification should be emphasized”. In this case, the output control unit  106  may change the speaker (from a normal speaker) to a speaker who speaks with a tense voice or to a speaker with the tone of a DJ, for example. Alternatively, the output control unit  106  may perform a change from a normal speaker to a user-preferred speaker pre-registered by the user. Moreover, the output control unit  106  may change the wording of the speech according to the speaker after the change. 
     In addition, in this case, the output control unit  106  may change the timing of speech outputs by outputting the notification speech for the user according to timing at which the user is switching between movements, for example. Furthermore, the output control unit  106  may change the speech quality (from a normal configuration) to raise the pitch, may speed up the rate of speech (from a normal configuration), or may increase the speech volume level (from a normal configuration), for example. In addition, the output control unit  106  may add other TTS content (for example, TTS content not affecting the notification, and the like) to the notification speech and cause the output unit  124  to output the content after the addition. 
     1-3-5-2. Control Example 2 
     By way of another example, suppose that it is assumed by the user state estimation unit  104  that the user state is a “state requiring subsequent notification”. In this case, the output control unit  106  may not output the notification information according to the notification timing associated with the notification information for the user and may cause the output unit  124  to output the notification information after a predetermined time period has elapsed since the notification timing. For example, when the current time has reached the notification timing associated with notification information for the user, the output control unit  106  first changes the speaker (from a normal speaker) to a speaker who speaks calmly or to a speaker with the tone of a counselor, or the like, for example, and causes the output unit  124  to output only TTS to indicate the presence of notification information, such as, for example, “there is a notice but handle it later”. Further, the output control unit  106  causes the output unit  124  to output speech that corresponds to the notification information after a predetermined time period has elapsed since the notification timing (or with timing at which a user state newly estimated by the user state estimation unit  104  has changed to a state other than a “state requiring subsequent notification”). 
     1-3-6. Transmission Control Unit  108   
     The transmission control unit  108  controls the transmission of various information to other apparatuses. For example, the transmission control unit  108  causes the communication unit  120  to transmit a sensing results provision request to the plurality of devices  20  (all the devices  20 , for example) in space  4 . Furthermore, if feedback is obtained from the user regarding the information output after the information has been output by the output unit  124 , the transmission control unit  108  causes the communication unit  120  to transmit, to the plurality of devices  20 , information indicating a user evaluation grade that corresponds to the feedback. For example, the transmission control unit  108  may cause the communication unit  120  to transmit the information indicating the user evaluation grade only to individual devices  20  that have sensed each of the foregoing one or more selected sensing results. 
     1-3-7. Communication Unit  120   
     The communication unit  120  may be configured to include a communication apparatus  166 , described subsequently. The communication unit  120  sends and receives information to and from other apparatuses by means of wireless communications and/or wired communications. For example, the communication unit  120  transmits, to the plurality of devices  20  according to control by the transmission control unit  108 , a sensing results provision request and information indicating a user evaluation grade, and the like. Furthermore, the communication unit  120  receives sensing results from the plurality of devices  20  in space  4 . 
     1-3-8. Output Unit  124   
     The output unit  124  may be configured to include an output apparatus  162 , described subsequently. The output unit  124  outputs various information (video, sound, and the like) according to control by the output control unit  106 . The output unit  124  may have a speech output unit. The speech output unit is configured to include a loudspeaker, earphones, or headphones, or the like, for example. The speech output unit outputs sound (speech, music, and the like) according to control by the output control unit  106 . 
     In addition, the output unit  124  may include a display unit. The display unit is configured to include a liquid-crystal display (LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), or similar), or a projector, or the like, for example. The display unit displays (projects, or similar) video according to control by the output control unit  106 . 
     1-3-9. Storage Unit  126   
     The storage unit  126  may be configured to include the storage apparatus  164 , described subsequently. The storage unit  126  stores various data and various software. For example, the storage unit  126  stores information, which indicates a user evaluation grade relating to an information output by the output unit  124  and which has been acquired by the communication unit  120  or the sensor unit  122 , in association with the individual devices  20  that have sensed each of the one or more selected sensing results determined by the determination unit  102 . 
     1-4. Applied Example 
     The configuration of the first embodiment has been described hereinabove. An applied example according to the first embodiment will be described next with reference to  FIGS. 4 to 13 .  FIG. 4  is a diagram to illustrate this applied example. 
     1-4-1. Before Information Notification Timing Arrives 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , in this applied example, it is assumed that a user  2 , a terminal  10 , a plurality of devices  20  (for example, a refrigerator  20   a , a smartphone  20   b , a smartwatch  20   c , and a television receiver  20   d , and the like), and a plurality of obstacles  30  (for example, a kitchen counter  30   d , a table  30   b , and a wall  30   c , and the like) are located in space  4 . 
     Here, the user  2  has the smartphone  20   b  attached to their neck by using a neck strap, for example. Furthermore, the user  2  is wearing the smartwatch  20   c  on their arm. In addition, as illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the user  2  is singing a song. 
     The refrigerator  20   a  also has a built-in high-sensitivity microphone, high-sensitivity camera, and GPS receiver. For example, the refrigerator  20   a  is capable of collecting speech of the user  2 , capturing an image of the whole body of the user  2 , and sensing positional information of the refrigerator  20   a . The smartphone  20   b  has a built-in microphone, acceleration sensor, and GPS receiver. For example, the smartphone  20   b  is capable of collecting speech of the user  2  and sensing acceleration and positional information of the smartphone  20   b . The smartwatch  20   c  has a built-in camera, acceleration sensor, and GPS receiver. For example, the smartwatch  20   c  is capable of capturing an image of the periphery of the smartwatch  20   c  (including part of the body of the user  2 ) and sensing acceleration and positional information of the smartphone  20   b.    
       FIG. 5  is a diagram illustrating the range within which the sensor unit  122  of the terminal  10  is capable of sensing, in the situation illustrated in  FIG. 4 . As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the user  2  is not located within the viewing angle  40   a  of the camera in the sensor unit  122 . Hence, the user  2  cannot be seen in images captured by the camera. Accordingly, the terminal  10  cannot recognize the movement of user  2  by using the captured images from the camera. 
     Furthermore, as illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the user  2  is located spaced apart from a range  40   b  within which the microphone of the sensor unit  122  is capable of collecting sound, and an obstacle  30   c  (a wall and a sliding door) of a fixed height is located between the range  40   b  permitting sound collection, and the user  2 . Hence the microphone can barely collect any speech of the user  2 . 
     1-4-2. When Information Notification Timing Arrives 
     In the situation illustrated in  FIG. 4  (and  FIG. 5 ), it is assumed that the notification timing for the predetermined notification information for user  2  has arrived. As mentioned earlier, in the situation illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the terminal  10  can barely acquire the sensing results available for user state estimation. Thus, in order to collect the sensing results available for user state estimation, the transmission control unit  108  of the terminal  10  causes the communication unit  120  to transmit the sensing results provision request to all the devices  20  in space  4 , as illustrated in  FIG. 6 . 
       FIG. 7  is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of data in the sensing results provision request (provision request data  50 ). As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the provision request data  50  includes, for example, a transaction ID  500 , a transmission source  502 , and a transmission destination  504 . Here, the transmission source  502  stores identification information of the terminal  10 . The transmission destination  504  stores identification information of each device (the refrigerator  20   a  in the example illustrated in  FIG. 7 ). 
     1-4-3. Transmission of Sensing Results 
     Thereafter, a sensing results provision request is received by each of the devices  20 . In this case, as illustrated in  FIG. 8 , each of the devices  20  transmits, to the terminal  10 , the sensing results from the sensor unit  222  (the sensing results and the like at the time the provision request is received, for example). 
       FIG. 9  is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of transmission data in the sensing results from each device  20  (sensing results transmission data  52 ). As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the sensing results transmission data  52  includes, for example, a transaction ID  520 , a transmission source  522 , a transmission destination  524 , a sensing start date and time  526 , a sensing end date and time  528 , and sensor information  530 . Here, the transmission source  522  stores identification information of each device  20  (the refrigerator  20   a  in the example illustrated in  FIG. 9 ). The transmission destination  524  stores identification information of terminal  10 . The sensing start date and time  526  records the sensing start date and time of the sensing results. The sensing end date and time  528  records the sensing end date and time of the sensing results. By recording the sensing start date and time and the sensing end date and time in this manner, it is possible to specify a sensing interval in the sensing results. 
     In addition, as illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the sensor information  530  includes a sensor ID  5300 , a sensor type  5302 , a vendor  5304 , a sensitivity  5306 , positional information  5308 , a past evaluation  5310 , and sensing results  5320 . Note that, in  FIG. 9 , an example in which only the data of one type of sensing results (specifically, sound collection results) is recorded as the sensor information  530 , but the sensor information  530  is not limited to this example, rather, respective sensing results data for all the sensors of the device  20  (the refrigerator  20   a  in the example illustrated in  FIG. 9 ), for example, may be recorded. 
     Here, the sensor ID  5300  records the ID allocated to the individual sensors of the device  20 . The sensor type  5302  records the type of the sensor with the ID. The vendor  5304  records the manufacturer of the sensor (or the device) with the ID. The sensitivity  5306  records performance information such as the sensitivity of the sensor with the ID. The positional information  5308  records positional information for the device (or the sensor with the ID) that has been acquired by means of a GPS receiver or the like, for example. 
     The past evaluation  5310  stores user evaluation history information that corresponds to the sensor with the ID. More precisely, the past evaluation  5310  may store evaluation history information obtained as a result of the terminal  10  selecting, as selected sensing results, the sensing results from the sensor with the ID and of acquiring, from the user, information regarding an information output when the output has been made to the user, on the basis of the sensing results. As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the past evaluation  5310  includes an average value  5312  and a positive count  5314 . The average value  5312  records an average value for the evaluation levels, obtained from the user in the past, that correspond to the sensor with the ID. The positive count  5314  records the number of times a positive evaluation (response), which corresponds to the sensor with the applicable ID, has been obtained from the user in the past. 
     In addition, the sensing result  5320  records information relating to the sensing results from the sensor with the ID. As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , if the sensor with the ID is the “microphone”, the sensing result  5320  includes, for example, a type  5322 , an average volume level  5324 , an average pitch  5326 , and an emotion type  5328 . Here, the type  5322  records the type of information (sound, image, acceleration, and the like, for example) sensed by the sensor with the ID. The emotion type  5328  records the recognition results (for example, the type of emotion, and the like) if the device  20  is capable of recognizing the emotions of the user  2  on the basis of the sensing results from the sensor with the ID. 
     1-4-4. Determination of Selected Sensing Results 
     Thereafter, for each of a plurality of sensing types, the determination unit  102  of terminal  10  determines one or more selected sensing results by selecting, on the basis of the predetermined reference, the sensing results that correspond to the sensing type, respectively, from among a plurality of sensing results received from the plurality of devices  20 . 
     For example, where sound sensing (sound collection) is concerned, suppose that a higher priority level is prescribed for the distance between the devices  20  and the user  2  (the first reference) than for the performance information of the devices  20  (the second reference). In the example illustrated in  FIGS. 4 to 8 , the refrigerator  20   a  has a higher microphone performance than the smartphone  20   b . However, the smartphone  20   b  is closer to the user  2  than the refrigerator  20   a . Thus, for sound collection, the determination unit  102  selects, as selected sensing results, the sensing results from the smartphone  20   b  (rather than the sensing results from the refrigerator  20   a ). 
     In addition, where image sensing (imaging) is concerned, suppose that a higher priority level is prescribed for the performance information (the second reference) of the devices  20  than for the distance between the devices  20  and the user (the first reference). In the example illustrated in  FIGS. 4 to 8 , the smartwatch  20   c  is closer to the user  2  than the refrigerator  20   a . However, the built-in camera of the refrigerator  20   a  has a higher resolution than the built-in camera of the smartwatch  20   c . Furthermore, the area of the body of the user  2  within the viewing angle of the camera in the refrigerator  20   a  is greater than the area of the body of the user  2  within the viewing angle of the camera in the smartwatch  20   c . Thus, where imaging is concerned, the determination unit  102  selects, as selected sensing results, the sensing results from the refrigerator  20   a  (rather than the sensing results from the smartwatch  20   c ). 
     Note that, in order to specify the distance between each of the devices  20  and user  2 , the terminal  10  is capable of using, in a composite manner, the sensing results from the plurality of devices  20 . For example, terminal  10  first recognizes, on the basis of an image (in which the whole body of user  2  is seen) captured by the camera in the refrigerator  20   a , that user  2  is carrying the smartphone  20   b  and that user  2  is wearing the smartwatch  20   c . Next, terminal  10  specifies positional information of user  2  by regarding the positional information sensed by the smartphone  20   b  or the positional information sensed by the smartwatch  20   c  as the same as the positional information of user  2 , for example. Further, terminal  10  specifies the distance between another device  20  (the refrigerator  20   a  or television receiver  20   d , for example) and user  2  by calculating the difference between positional information sensed by the other device  20  and the specified positional information of user  2 . Alternatively, terminal  10  may specify the distance between user  2  and the individual devices  20  in space  4  by using a well-known spatial electronics-related technique. 
     1-4-5. Determination of TTS Output Configuration 
     Thereafter, the user state estimation unit  104  of terminal  10  estimates the state of user  2  by using a plurality of selected sensing results which have been determined by the determination unit  102 . Here, suppose that the state of user  2  is a “state for which notification should be emphasized”. 
     The output control unit  106  then determines a configuration for outputting notification information to user  2  on the basis of the estimated user state. For example, terminal  10  is capable of recognizing that user  2  is singing a song on the basis of sound sensing results received from the smartphone  20   b . Therefore, before outputting notification speech for the user, the output control unit  106  first determines that the output unit  124  will be made to output sound feedback at a higher volume level than normal. In addition, the output control unit  106  determines an output configuration for the speech such that the pitch of the notification speech is higher than normal, the speed (pace) of the speech is faster than normal, and the volume level of the speech is higher than normal. 
     Furthermore, the terminal  10  may recognize that the user is moving on the basis of captured images received from the refrigerator  20   a . Therefore, the output control unit  106  determines the timing for outputting the notification speech as timing when user movement has become minimal. In addition, the terminal  10  may recognize that the user is wearing the smartphone  20   b  on the basis of captured images received from the refrigerator  20   a , for example. Therefore, the output control unit  106  determines that the output unit  124  will be made to output the notification speech with directivity toward the position indicated by the positional information sensing results received from the smartphone  20   b.    
     1-4-6. TTS Output 
     Subsequently, as illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the output control unit  106  causes the output unit  124  to output the speech  60  of a notification like “The skies will be clear tonight . . . ”, for example, on the basis of the output configuration thus determined. 
     1-4-7. Acquisition and Recording of Feedback from User 
     Thereafter, as illustrated in  FIG. 11 , suppose that user  2  makes an utterance  62  of affirmative feedback, for example, in response to the output of the notification speech  60 . In this case, the sensor unit  122  of terminal  10  may collect the feedback utterance  62 . Alternatively, any of the devices  20  (the smartphone  20   b , or the like, for example) may collect the utterance  62  and then transmit the sound collection results to the terminal  10 . 
     Thereafter, the control unit  100  of terminal  10  performs speech recognition on the sound collection results from the sensor unit  122  or the sound collection results received from any of the devices  20 , subjects the speech recognition results to natural language processing, and seeks a better understanding of intention from the results of this processing. The control unit  100  then determines, on the basis of the results of this understanding of intention, whether or not the user has indicated an affirmative evaluation of the output of the notification speech  60 , and an evaluation level. 
     In the example illustrated in  FIG. 11 , the control unit  100  determines that the user has indicated an affirmative evaluation and, on the basis of the determination result, generates (determines) information indicating a user evaluation grade. Furthermore, the control unit  100  stores, in the storage unit  126 , the information indicating the user evaluation grade, in association with the individual devices  20  (the refrigerator  20   a  and smartphone  20   b ) that have sensed each of the plurality of selected sensing results determined by the determination unit  102 . More specifically, the control unit  100  stores, in the storage unit  126 , the information indicating the user evaluation grade, in association with the fact that the device  20  that has sensed the image among the plurality of selected sensing results is the refrigerator  20   a  and that the device  20  that has sensed the speech among the plurality of selected sensing results is the smartphone  20   b.    
     In addition, as illustrated in  FIG. 12 , the transmission control unit  108  of terminal  10  causes the communication unit  120  to transmit, to all the devices  20 , the information indicating the evaluation grade of the user, and data  54  (sometimes also called “feedback correspondence data  54 ” hereinbelow) which indicates correspondence with identification information of the individual devices  20  that have sensed each of the plurality of selected sensing results. Alternatively, the transmission control unit  108  may cause the communication unit  120  to transmit the information indicating the user evaluation grade only to the individual devices  20  that have sensed each of the plurality of selected sensing results. According to these examples, it is possible for the information indicating the user evaluation grade to be distributed among and stored in the plurality of devices  20  instead of the terminal  10 , for example, storing all the information. 
       FIG. 13  is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the feedback correspondence data  54 . As illustrated in  FIG. 13 , the feedback correspondence data  54  includes a transaction ID  540 , a transmission source  542 , and feedback content  544 , for example. Here, the transmission source  542  stores identification information of terminal  10 . As illustrated in  FIG. 13 , the feedback content  544  includes a device  5440 , a sensor ID  5442 , a type  5444 , and an evaluation grade  5446 , for example. The device  5440  records identification information of the individual devices  20  (the refrigerator  20   a  and smartphone  20   b  in the example illustrated in  FIG. 13 ) that have sensed each of the plurality of selected sensing results. The sensor ID  5442  records an identification number (serial number) of the sensor type corresponding to the selected sensing results sensed by the device  20 . The type  5444  records the type (microphone, or the like, for example) of the sensor with the ID. The evaluation grade  5446  records information indicating the user evaluation grade. In the example illustrated in  FIG. 13 , it can be seen that the user has made an affirmative evaluation and that the level of the affirmative evaluation is “5”. 
     1-5. Process Flow 
     The configuration of the first embodiment has been described hereinabove. An example of the process flow according to the first embodiment will be described next with reference to  FIGS. 14 to 19 . 
     1-5-1. Overall Process Flow 
       FIG. 14  is a sequence diagram illustrating a portion of the process flow according to the first embodiment. As illustrated in  FIG. 14 , the control unit  100  of terminal  10  first confirms the presence or absence of notification information that is to be reported to the user within a predetermined time period (S 101 ). While there is no notification information that is to be reported within the predetermined time period (S 101 : No), the control unit  100  repeats the processing of S 101 . 
     On the other hand, if notification information that is to be reported within the predetermined time period is present (S 101 : Yes), the control unit  100  first acquires, from the sensor unit  122 , the current user-related sensing results from the sensor unit  122  (S 103 ). 
     Next, under the control of the transmission control unit  108 , the communication unit  120  transmits a sensing results provision request to the plurality of devices  20  in space  4  (S 105 ). 
     Thereafter, the sensor unit  222  of each device  20  performs sensing with respect to the user (S 107 ). In addition, the control unit  200  of each device  20  may recognize a user state on the basis of the sensing results in S 107 . For example, the control unit  200  may recognize user gestures, user emotions, the concentration level of the user, or the relaxation level of the user, and so forth, on the basis of the sensing results in S 107  (S 109 ). 
     Subsequently, each device  20  transmits, to terminal  10 , the sensing results in S 107  and the recognition results in S 109  (S 111 ). 
     Here, the process flow after S 111  will be described with reference to  FIG. 15 . As illustrated in  FIG. 15 , after S 111 , the determination unit  102  of terminal  10  determines, on the basis of a predetermined reference, one or more selected sensing results used in estimating a user state from among the sensing results received from each device  20  in S 111  and the sensing results from the sensor unit  122  in S 103  (S 121 ). 
     Next, terminal  10  performs “user state estimation processing”, described subsequently (S 123 ). 
     Thereafter, the output control unit  106  of terminal  10  determines, on the basis of the user state estimated in S 123 , an output configuration for speech (TTS, for example) that corresponds to the notification information acquired in S 101  (S 125 ). Then, the output control unit  106  causes the output unit  124  to output, on the basis of the output configuration determined in S 125 , the speech that corresponds to the notification information (S 127 ). 
     Here, the process flow after S 127  will be described with reference to  FIG. 16 . As illustrated in  FIG. 16 , the control unit  100  of terminal  10  stands by until feedback from the user and relating to the speech output in S 127  is acquired as a result of being sensed by the sensor unit  122  or being received by the communication unit  120 , for example (S 141 : No). Note that the processing may end if a predetermined time period has elapsed without feedback being obtained from the user. 
     On the other hand, if feedback from the user is acquired (S 141 : Yes), the control unit  100  determines a user evaluation grade that corresponds to the feedback by subjecting the feedback to various recognition processing (for example, speech recognition, understanding of intention, and the like). Next, the control unit  100  generates information indicating the user evaluation grade on the basis of the determination result. Then, the control unit  100  stores, in the storage unit  126 , the information indicating the user evaluation grade in association with the individual devices  20  that have sensed each of the one or more selected sensing results determined in S 121  (S 143 ). 
     Next, under the control of the transmission control unit  108 , the communication unit  120  transmits the information indicating the evaluation grade to the plurality of devices  20  in space  4 . For example, the communication unit  120  may transmit the information indicating the evaluation grade only to individual devices  20  that have sensed each of the one or more selected sensing results (S 145 ). 
     Thereafter, each device  20  stores the received information indicating the evaluation grade (S 147 ). 
     1-5-2. User State Estimation Processing 
     Here, an example of the flow of the “user state estimation processing” in S 123  will be described with reference to  FIGS. 17 to 19 . As illustrated in  FIG. 17 , the user state estimation unit  104  of terminal  10  first determines whether or not the user is in an active state on the basis of each of the one or more selected sensing results determined in S 121  (S 201 ). 
     If it is determined that the user is in an active state (S 201 : Yes), the user state estimation unit  104  then determines whether or not sensing results for sound made by the user are included among the one or more selected sensing results (S 203 ). If sensing results for sound made by the user are included (S 203 : Yes), the user state estimation unit  104  then uses the sound sensing results to determine the type of sound made by the user (S 205 ). If it is determined that the type of sound made by the user is “verbal sound”, the user state estimation unit  104  estimates the user state to be a “state requiring subsequent notification” (called “state B” hereinbelow) (S 207 ). On the other hand, if the type of sound made by the user is a sound other than a “verbal sound” (more specifically, humming, singing, non-verbal sounds, or non-speech sounds), the user state estimation unit  104  estimates the user state to be a “state for which notification should be emphasized” (called “state A” hereinbelow) (S 209 ). 
     On the other hand, if it is determined in S 203  that sensing results for sound made by the user are not included among the one or more selected sensing results (S 203 : No), the user state estimation unit  104  then estimates the user state to be “state A” (S 209 ). 
     Here, the process flow in a case where it is determined in S 201  that the user is not in an active state (that is, in an inactive state) (S 201 : No) will be described with reference to  FIG. 18 . As illustrated in  FIG. 18 , the user state estimation unit  104  first determines whether or not sensing results for sound made by the user are included among the one or more selected sensing results (S 211 ). If sensing results for sound made by the user are not included among the one or more selected sensing results (S 211 : No), the user state estimation unit  104  estimates the user state to be a “normal state” (called “state C” hereinbelow) (S 213 ). 
     On the other hand, if sensing results for sound made by the user are included among the one or more selected sensing results (S 211 : Yes), the user state estimation unit  104  then uses the sound sensing results to determine the type of sound made by the user (S 215 ). If the type of sound made by the user is determined as being “verbal sound”, the user state estimation unit  104  estimates the user state to be “state B” (S 217 ). 
     On the other hand, if it is determined that the type of sound made by the user is “humming” or “singing”, the user state estimation unit  104  then determines whether or not sensing results for information on the vitals of the user are included among the one or more selected sensing results (S 219 ). If sensing results for information on the vitals of the user are not included among the one or more selected sensing results (S 219 : No), the user state estimation unit  104  estimates the user state to be “state A” (S 223 ). 
     On the other hand, if sensing results for information on the vitals of the user are included among the one or more selected sensing results (S 219 : Yes), the user state estimation unit  104  then uses the sensing results for information on the vitals of the user to determine whether or not the user is “resting” (S 221 ). If it is determined that the user is “resting” (S 221 : Yes), the user state estimation unit  104  estimates the user state to be “state A” (S 223 ). 
     On the other hand, if it is determined that the user is “not resting” (S 221 : No), the user state estimation unit  104  then determines whether or not sensing results for the line of sight of the user are included among the one or more selected sensing results (S 225 ). If sensing results for the line of sight of the user are not included among the one or more selected sensing results (S 225 : No), the user state estimation unit  104  estimates the user state to be “state C” (S 231 ). 
     On the other hand, if sensing results for the line of sight of the user are included among the one or more selected sensing results (S 225 : Yes), the user state estimation unit  104  then uses the sensing results for the line of sight of the user to determine whether or not the user is “concentrating” (S 227 ). If it is determined that the user is “concentrating” (S 227 : Yes), the user state estimation unit  104  estimates the user state to be “state B” (S 229 ). 
     On the other hand, if it is determined that the user is “not concentrating” (S 227 : No), the user state estimation unit  104  estimates the user state to be “state C” (S 231 ). 
     Here, the process flow in a case where it is determined in S 215  that the type of sound made by the user is a “non-verbal sound” or “non-speech” will be described with reference to  FIG. 19 . As illustrated in  FIG. 19 , if it is determined in S 215  that the type of sound made by the user is a “non-verbal sound”, the user state estimation unit  104  first determines whether or not sensing results for information on the vitals of the user are included among the one or more selected sensing results (S 243 ). If sensing results for information on the vitals of the user are not included among the one or more selected sensing results (S 243 : No), the user state estimation unit  104  estimates the user state to be “state C” (S 253 ). 
     On the other hand, if sensing results for information on the vitals of the user are included among the one or more selected sensing results (S 243 : Yes), the user state estimation unit  104  then uses the sensing results for information on the vitals of the user to determine whether or not the user is “resting” (S 245 ). If it is determined that the user is “resting” (S 245 : Yes), the user state estimation unit  104  estimates the user state to be “state C” (S 253 ). 
     On the other hand, if it is determined that the user is “not resting” (S 245 : No), the user state estimation unit  104  then determines whether or not sensing results for the line of sight of the user are included among the one or more selected sensing results (S 247 ). If sensing results for the line of sight of the user are not included among the one or more selected sensing results (S 247 : No), the user state estimation unit  104  estimates the user state to be “state C” (S 253 ). 
     On the other hand, if sensing results for the line of sight of the user are included among the one or more selected sensing results (S 247 : Yes), the user state estimation unit  104  then uses the sensing results for the line of sight of the user to determine whether or not the user is “concentrating” (S 249 ). If it is determined that the user is “concentrating” (S 249 : Yes), the user state estimation unit  104  estimates the user state to be “state B” (S 251 ). On the other hand, if it is determined that the user is “not concentrating” (S 249 : No), the user state estimation unit  104  estimates the user state to be “state C” (S 253 ). 
     On the other hand, if it is determined in S 215  that the type of sound made by the user is “non-speech”, the user state estimation unit  104  first determines whether or not sensing results for information on the vitals of the user are included among the one or more selected sensing results (S 261 ). If sensing results for information on the vitals of the user are not included among the one or more selected sensing results (S 261 : No), the user state estimation unit  104  estimates the user state to be “state B” (S 267 ). 
     On the other hand, if sensing results for information on the vitals of the user are included among the one or more selected sensing results (S 261 : Yes), the user state estimation unit  104  then uses the sensing results for information on the vitals of the user to determine whether or not the user is “resting” (S 263 ). If it is determined that the user is “resting” (S 263 : Yes), the user state estimation unit  104  estimates the user state to be “state A” (S 265 ). 
     On the other hand, if it is determined that the user is “not resting” (S 263 : No), the user state estimation unit  104  estimates the user state to be “state B” (S 267 ). 
     1-6. Advantageous Effects 
     As described hereinabove, the terminal  10  according to the first embodiment determines, on the basis of a predetermined reference, one or more selected sensing results used in estimating a user state from among a plurality of sensing results received from a plurality of devices  20 , and controls an output of information on the basis of the one or more selected sensing results. Hence, sensing results which are used in estimating a user state can be suitably determined. As a result, the accuracy of user state estimation can be improved. Accordingly, when information is output to a user, it is possible to output information in a suitable form according to the state of the user. 
     For example, if the user-related sensing by terminal  10  is impossible or difficult, terminal  10  is capable of determining, on the basis of the predetermined reference, the one or more selected sensing results from among the plurality of user-related sensing results received from the plurality of devices  20 . Hence, even in a situation where sensing with respect to user  2  by terminal  10  is difficult, for example, it is possible to output information such as the speech of a notification to the user, for example, by means of an output configuration which is suitable for the user state. Consequently, the content of this information may be adequately relayed to the user. 
     1-7. Specific Example 
     Next, a specific example of the foregoing user state estimation by the user state estimation unit  104  will be described in “1-7-1. Specific example 1” to “1-7-4. Specific example 4”. 
     1-7-1. Specific Example 1 
     First, a specific example 1 will be described with reference to  FIG. 20 . As illustrated in  FIG. 20 , in specific example 1, it is assumed that user  2  goes back and forth inside space  4  while holding (inserted in their pocket, or the like, for example) the smartphone  20   b . For example, user  2  is cleaning inside space  4 . Furthermore, it is assumed that user  2  is humming a tune. The smartphone  20   b  has a built-in acceleration sensor and microphone. 
     In the example illustrated in  FIG. 20 , the terminal  10  first receives, from the smartphone  20   b , acceleration sensing results from the acceleration sensor and sound collection results from the microphone, of the smartphone  20   b . Next, the terminal  10  recognizes, on the basis of the received acceleration sensing results, that the user is moving a lot and recognizes, on the basis of the recognition results, that user  2  is in an active state. In addition, the terminal  10  recognizes that the user is humming a tune on the basis of the received sound collection results. Furthermore, the terminal  10  estimates that user  2  is in “state A (=a state for which notification should be emphasized)” based on the fact that user  2  is in an active state and humming a tune. 
     1-7-2. Specific Example 2 
     Next, a specific example 2 will be described with reference to  FIG. 21 . As illustrated in  FIG. 21 , in specific example 2, it is assumed that user  2  is talking to themselves and saying something like “What. There&#39;s none of the pudding I was intending to buy” while looking inside the refrigerator  20   a , for example. Suppose that the refrigerator  20   a  has a built-in camera and microphone. 
     In the example illustrated in  FIG. 21 , terminal  10  receives, from the refrigerator  20   a , captured images from the camera and sound collection results from the microphone, of the refrigerator  20   a . Next, terminal  10  recognizes, on the basis of the received captured images, that user  2  is barely moving and recognizes, on the basis of the recognition results, that user  2  is in an inactive state. Furthermore, terminal  10  recognizes that user  2  is making a verbal sound on the basis of the received sound collection results. Then, terminal  10  estimates that user  2  is in “state B (=a state requiring subsequent notification)” based on the fact that user  2  is in an inactive state and making a verbal sound. 
     1-7-3. Specific Example 3 
     Next, a specific example 3 will be described with reference to  FIG. 22 . As illustrated in  FIG. 22 , in specific example 3, it is assumed that user  2  is sitting on the sofa wearing eyewear  20   e . In addition, user  2  is concentrating on viewing augmented reality (AR) content through the eyewear  20   e  and having fun. User  2  is laughing excitedly, for example. Suppose that the eyewear  20   e  has a built-in acceleration sensor, brain wave sensor, microphone, and line-of-sight sensor. 
     In the example illustrated in  FIG. 21 , the terminal  10  receives, from the eyewear  20   e , acceleration sensing results from the acceleration sensor, brain wave sensing results from the brain wave sensor, sound collection results from the microphone, and line-of-sight sensing results from the line-of-sight sensor, of the eyewear  20   e . Next, the terminal  10  recognizes, on the basis of the received acceleration sensing results, that user  2  is barely moving and recognizes, on the basis of the recognition results, that user  2  is in an inactive state. Furthermore, the terminal  10  recognizes that user is making a non-verbal sound (laughter or the like) on the basis of the received sound collection results. In addition, the terminal  10  recognizes, on the basis of the received brain wave sensing results, that brain waves are active and recognizes, on the basis of the recognition results, that user  2  is “not resting”. Furthermore, the terminal  10  recognizes, on the basis of the received line-of-sight sensing results, that the frequency of blinks of user  2  is low and recognizes, on the basis of the recognition results, that the concentration level of user  2  is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value. The terminal  10  then estimates that user  2  is in “state B” based on the fact that the user  2  is in an inactive state, making a non-verbal sound, and “concentrating without resting”. 
     1-7-4. Specific Example 4 
     Next, a specific example 4 will be described with reference to  FIG. 23 . As illustrated in  FIG. 23 , in specific example 4, it is assumed that user  2  is crying from a sobbing sound or the like, for example, while walking in an office corridor  4  and wearing an open-ear device  20   f  (for example, an earphone-type apparatus or a neck-mounted loudspeaker, or the like). Suppose that the open-ear device  20   f  has a built-in acceleration sensor and microphone. The open-ear device  20   f  may also have a speech output unit. 
     In the example illustrated in  FIG. 23 , terminal  10  receives, from the open-ear device  20   f , acceleration sensing results from the acceleration sensor and sound collection results from the microphone, of the open-ear device  20   f . Next, the terminal  10  recognizes, on the basis of the received acceleration sensing results, that user  2  is moving a lot and recognizes, on the basis of the recognition results, that user  2  is in an active state. Furthermore, the terminal  10  recognizes that user  2  is making a non-verbal sound (a crying sound or the like) on the basis of the received sound collection results. The terminal  10  then estimates that user  2  is in “state A” based on the fact that user  2  is in an active state and making a non-verbal sound. 
     2. Second Embodiment 
     The first embodiment has been described hereinabove. A second embodiment will be described next. As will be described subsequently, according to the second embodiment, the server  70  is capable of determining, on the basis of the predetermined reference, one or more selected sensing results (which are used in estimating a user state) from among a plurality of sensing results that the terminal  10  has received from a plurality of devices  20  in space  4 . The content of the second embodiment will be described sequentially in detail hereinbelow. Only content that differs from the first embodiment will be described hereinbelow, and descriptions of identical content will be omitted. 
     2-1. System Configuration 
     First, a configuration example of an information processing system according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to  FIG. 24 . As illustrated in  FIG. 24 , in comparison with the first embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the information processing system according to the second embodiment further includes a communications network  22  and a server  70 . 
     2-1-1. Communications Network  22   
     The communications network  22  is a wired or wireless transmission line for information transmitted from apparatuses connected to the communications network  22 . For example, the communications network  22  may also include a public line such as a telephone network, the internet, or a satellite communications network, and various local area networks (LAN) including Ethernet (registered trademark), and wide area networks (WAN), or the like. Furthermore, the communications network  22  may also include a dedicated line such as an Internet protocol-virtual private network (IP-VPN). 
     2-1-2. Server  70   
     The server  70  is an example of the information processing apparatus according to the present disclosure. The server  70  controls outputs of various information (for example, speech, video, or music, and the like) to terminal  10  via the communications network  22 . For example, the server  70  causes the terminal  10  to output speech that corresponds to predetermined notification information of a predetermined application service. Alternatively, the server  70  may cause the terminal  10  to output speech of an interaction with user  2 , of a predetermined application service. 
     2-2. Configuration: Terminal  10   
     The configuration of the information processing system according to the second embodiment has been described hereinabove. The configuration according to the second embodiment will be described next.  FIG. 25  is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the terminal  10  according to the second embodiment. As illustrated in  FIG. 25 , in comparison with the first embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the terminal  10  does not have the determination unit  102  or the user state estimation unit  104 . Only constituent elements with functions that differ from the first embodiment will be described hereinbelow. 
     2-2-1. Output Control Unit  106   
     The output control unit  106  according to the second embodiment controls, on the basis of control information received from the server  70 , the output of various information (for example, speech (TTS and the like), video, or music, or the like) by the output unit  124 . For example, the output control unit  106  causes the output unit  124  to output, with timing designated by control information received from the server  70 , information of types designated by the control information. 
     Alternatively, the output control unit  106  may cause the output unit  124  to output, on the basis of the control information received from the server  70 , the video or speech itself, received from the server  70 , for example, or speech and the like that corresponds to the information received from the server  70  (notification information and the like for the user, for example). 
     2-3. Configuration: Server  70   
     A configuration example of the server  70  according to the second embodiment will be described next.  FIG. 26  is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the server  70  according to the second embodiment. As illustrated in  FIG. 26 , the server  70  has a control unit  700 , a communication unit  720 , and a storage unit  722 . 
     2-3-1. Control Unit  700   
     The control unit  700  may be configured to include processing circuits such as a CPU  150 , described subsequently, and a GPU, or the like, for example. The control unit  700  integrally controls the operations of the server  70 . In addition, as illustrated in  FIG. 26 , the control unit  700  has a determination unit  702 , a user state estimation unit  704 , an output control unit  706 , and a transmission control unit  708 . 
     2-3-2. Determination Unit  702   
     The determination unit  702  determines, on the basis of the predetermined reference, (the foregoing) one or more selected sensing results from among a plurality of sensing results from a plurality of devices  20  in space  4  and received via the terminal  10 , and sensing results from the terminal  10 . Alternatively, the determination unit  702  may determine, on the basis of the predetermined reference, the one or more selected sensing results only from among the plurality of sensing results from the plurality of devices  20  and received via the terminal  10 . 
     Note that the specific content of the determination by the determination unit  702  is substantially the same as for the determination unit  102  according to the first embodiment. 
     2-3-3. User State Estimation Unit  704   
     The user state estimation unit  704  estimates a state of a user (a target user, for example) by using one or more selected sensing results which have been determined by the determination unit  702 . Note that the specific content of the estimation by the user state estimation unit  704  is substantially the same as for the user state estimation unit  104  according to the first embodiment. 
     2-3-4. Output Control Unit  706   
     The output control unit  706  controls information outputs by the terminal  10 . For example, the output control unit  706  first generates control information to cause the terminal  10  to output information such as notification information for the user, for example, on the basis of a user state estimated by the user state estimation unit  704 . The output control unit  706  then causes the communication unit  720  to transmit the generated control information to the terminal  10 . 
     Note that a portion of the content of the specific output control by the output control unit  706  may be substantially the same as for the output control unit  106  according to the first embodiment. 
     2-3-5. Transmission Control Unit  708   
     The transmission control unit  708  controls the transmission of various information to other apparatuses. For example, the transmission control unit  708  may cause the communication unit  120  to transmit, to a plurality of devices  20  in space  4 , information indicating the evaluation grade obtained from the user with respect to an output of information after the information has been output by the terminal  10 . Alternatively, the transmission control unit  708  may generate control information for transmitting the information indicating the evaluation grade to the plurality of devices  20  and cause the communication unit  720  to transmit the control information to the terminal  10 . 
     2-3-6. Communication Unit  720   
     The communication unit  720  may be configured to include communication apparatus  166 , described subsequently, for example. The communication unit  720  sends and receives information to and from other apparatuses via the communications network  22 , for example. 
     2-3-7. Storage Unit  722   
     The storage unit  722  may be configured to include storage apparatus  164 , described subsequently, for example. The storage unit  722  stores various data and various software. 
     2.4. Process Flow 
     The configuration of the second embodiment has been described hereinabove. An example of the process flow according to the second embodiment will be described next with reference to  FIGS. 27 and 28 . 
       FIG. 27  is a sequence diagram illustrating a portion of the process flow according to the second embodiment. As illustrated in  FIG. 27 , the control unit  700  of server  70  first confirms the presence or absence of notification information that is to be reported to the user within a predetermined time period (S 301 ). While there is no notification information that is to be reported within the predetermined time period (S 301 : No), the control unit  700  repeats the processing of S 301 . 
     On the other hand, if notification information that is to be reported within the predetermined time period is present (S 301 : Yes), the communication unit  720  transmits information indicating the presence of the notification information to terminal  10  under the control of the transmission control unit  708 . Here, the information indicating the presence of the notification information may include identification information for a user who is a notification target, for example (S 303 ). 
     Thereafter, the terminal  10  performs sensing with respect to the user (S 305 ). The terminal  10  then transmits the sensing results to the server  70  (S 307 ). 
     Note that the processing of S 309  to S 315  illustrated in  FIG. 27  is the same as S 105  to S 111  according to the first embodiment (illustrated in  FIG. 14 ). 
     After S 315 , the terminal  10  transmits, to the server  70 , sensing results and the like received from all the devices  20 , for example, in S 315  (S 317 ). 
     Here, the process flow after S 317  will be described with reference to  FIG. 28 . As illustrated in  FIG. 28 , after S 317 , the determination unit  702  of server  70  determines, on the basis of a predetermined reference, one or more selected sensing results used in estimating a user state from among the sensing results from the terminal  10  received in S 307  and the sensing results from each device  20  received in S 317  (S 321 ). 
     Next, the user state estimation unit  704  of server  70  performs “user state estimation processing” (S 323 ). Note that the content of the processing of S 323  may be substantially the same as the processing of S 123  according to the first embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 17 to 19 . 
     Thereafter, the output control unit  706  of server  70  determines, on the basis of the user state estimated in S 323 , an output configuration for speech that corresponds to the notification information acquired in S 301  (S 325 ). 
     Thereafter, the output control unit  706  generates control information for outputting, by means of the output configuration determined in S 325 , speech that corresponds to the notification information (S 327 ). The communication unit  720  then transmits the control information generated in S 327  to terminal  10  under the control of the output control unit  706  (S 329 ). 
     Thereafter, the output control unit  106  of terminal  10  causes the output unit  124  to output speech that corresponds to the notification information according to the control information received in S 329  (S 331 ). 
     Note that the processing after S 331  is substantially the same as S 141  to S 147  according to the first embodiment (illustrated in  FIG. 16 ). 
     2-5. Advantageous Effects 
     As described hereinabove, the server  70  according to the second embodiment determines, on the basis of the predetermined reference, one or more selected sensing results used in estimating a user state from among a plurality of sensing results received via the terminal  10  from a plurality of devices  20  in space  4 , and causes the terminal  10  to output information on the basis of the one or more selected sensing results. Thus, substantially the same advantageous effects as in the first embodiment described in “Sections 1 to 6” are obtained. 
     &lt;2-6. Modification Example&gt; 
     2-6-1. Modification Example 1 
     The second embodiment is not limited to the foregoing example. For example, although there is only a single server  70  illustrated in  FIG. 24 , the second embodiment is not limited to this example, rather, the functions of the server  70  may be realized as a result of a plurality of computers operating cooperatively. 
     2-6-2. Modification Example 2 
     As another modification example, another apparatus that has the same functions as the foregoing control unit  700  and is capable of communicating with the terminal  10  via the communications network  22 , for example, may control information outputs to the terminal  10  instead of the server  70 . In other words, the other apparatus may determine the one or more selected sensing results and cause the terminal  10  to output information on the basis of the one or more selected sensing results. By way of an example, the other apparatus may be a general-purpose PC, a tablet-type terminal, a game console, a mobile phone such as a smartphone, a portable music player, a loudspeaker, a projector, a wearable device (for example, eyewear, a smartwatch, or the like), an in-vehicle apparatus (a car navigation apparatus, or the like), or a robot (for example, a humanoid robot, a drone, or the like). In addition, in this case, the server  70  need not necessarily be installed. 
     3. Hardware Configuration 
     A hardware configuration example of the terminal  10  which is common to each embodiment will be described next with reference to  FIG. 29 . As illustrated in  FIG. 29 , the terminal  10  is provided with a CPU  150 , a read only memory (ROM)  152 , a random access memory (RAM)  154 , a bus  156 , an interface  158 , an input apparatus  160 , an output apparatus  162 , the storage apparatus  164 , and the communication apparatus  166 . 
     The CPU  150  functions as an arithmetic processing unit and as a control apparatus and controls overall operations in the terminal  10  according to various programs. Furthermore, the CPU  150  implements the functions of the control unit  100  in the terminal  10 . Note that the CPU  150  is configured from a processor such as a microprocessor. 
     The ROM  152  stores programs used by the CPU  150 , control data such as arithmetic parameters, and the like. 
     The RAM  154  temporarily stores the programs executed by the CPU  150  and data in use, and the like, for example. 
     The bus  156  is configured from a CPU bus or the like. The bus  156  interconnects the CPU  150 , ROM  152 , and RAM  154 . 
     The interface  158  connects the input apparatus  160 , output apparatus  162 , storage apparatus  164 , and communication apparatus  166  to the bus  156 . 
     The input apparatus  160  is configured from inputting means with which the user inputs information, such as a touch panel, a button, a switch, a lever, or a microphone, for example, and an input control circuit that generates an input signal on the basis of the user inputs and outputs the input signal to the CPU  150 , and the like, for example. 
     The output apparatus  162  includes a display apparatus such as an LCD or OLED display or the like, or a projector, for example. Furthermore, the output apparatus  162  includes a speech output apparatus such as a loudspeaker. 
     The storage apparatus  164  is an apparatus for data storage that functions as the storage unit  126 . The storage apparatus  164  includes, for example, a storage medium, a recording apparatus for recording data on the storage medium, a reading apparatus for reading data from the storage medium, and a deletion apparatus for deleting data recorded on the storage medium, or the like. 
     The communication apparatus  166  is a communication interface configured from a communication device (a network card or the like, for example) for a connection to the communications network  22 , and the like, for example. Furthermore, the communication apparatus  166  may be a wireless LAN-compatible communication apparatus, a Long-term evolution (LTE)-compatible communication apparatus, or a wire communication apparatus for performing communications over a wire. The communication apparatus  166  functions as a communication unit  120 . 
     4. Modification Example 
     Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail hereinabove with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present disclosure is not limited to or by such examples. It is obvious that a person ordinarily skilled in the technical field to which the present disclosure belongs could arrive at various modification examples or revised examples within the scope of the technological ideas disclosed in the claims, and it is naturally understood that such examples belong to the technical scope of the present disclosure. 
     4-1. Modification Example 1 
     For example, in terms of outputting notification information to the user, if a plurality of users are present in space  4 , the terminal  10  (or server  70 ) may determine, on the basis of the predetermined reference and as the one or more selected sensing results, sensing results which are used in estimating only the state of a user who is a notification target for the notification information, from among a plurality of sensing results received from a plurality of devices  20  in space  4 . For example, a facial image of each user in space  4  may be pre-registered in the terminal  10  (or server  70 ). The terminal (or server  70 ) may then select, from among the plurality of sensing results, the sensing results that correspond to the notification target user by comparing captured images of the faces of one or more users captured by a plurality of devices  20 , from among a plurality of users in space  4 , with pre-registered facial images of the notification target user. 
     In addition, the terminal  10  (or server  70 ) may estimate only the state of the notification target user on the basis of the one or more selected sensing results thus determined and may cause the output unit  124  to output the notification information on the basis of the estimation result. 
     4-2. Modification Example 2 
     Each of the steps in the process flows of the foregoing embodiments need not necessarily be processed in order of appearance. For example, each of the steps may be processed by revising the order as appropriate. Moreover, a portion of each of the steps may be processed in parallel or individually instead of being processed chronologically. In addition, a portion of the disclosed steps may be omitted, or other steps may be added. 
     Moreover, by means of each of the foregoing embodiments, a computer program, for causing hardware such as the CPU  150 , ROM  152  and RAM  154  to exhibit functions which are identical to each of the configurations of the terminal  10  according to the first embodiment and/or the server  70  according to the second embodiment, can also be provided. Further, a storage medium whereon the computer program is recorded may also be provided. 
     Furthermore, the advantageous effects disclosed in the present specification are only descriptive or exemplary, and non-limiting. In other words, the technology according to the present disclosure affords, in addition to or instead of the foregoing advantageous effects, other advantageous effects which are obvious, based on the disclosure of the present specification, to a person skilled in the art. 
     Note that the following configurations also fall within the technical scope of the present invention. 
     (1) 
     An information processing apparatus, comprising: 
     a determination unit that determines, on the basis of a predetermined reference, one or more second sensing results used in estimating a user state from among a plurality of first sensing results received from a plurality of devices; and 
     an output control unit that controls an output of information on the basis of the one or more second sensing results. 
     (2) 
     The information processing apparatus according to (1), wherein the output control unit controls the output of the information on the basis of the user state estimated using the one or more second sensing results. 
     (3) 
     The information processing apparatus according to (2), 
     wherein the one or more second sensing results include sensing results for each of a plurality of sensing types, and 
     wherein, for each of the plurality of sensing types, the determination unit determines the one or more second sensing results by selecting, on the basis of the predetermined reference, the sensing results that correspond to the sensing type, respectively, from among the plurality of first sensing results. 
     (4) 
     The information processing apparatus according to (3), wherein the predetermined reference includes at least one of a distance between each of the plurality of devices and the user, performance information of each of the plurality of devices, a manufacturing-source reliability level of each of the plurality of devices, and a user evaluation grade associated with each of the plurality of devices. 
     (5) 
     The information processing apparatus according to (4), wherein, for each of the plurality of sensing types, the determination unit selects, from among the plurality of first sensing results, the sensing results that correspond to the sensing type of the device located closer to the user, respectively, among the plurality of devices. 
     (6) 
     The information processing apparatus according to (5), wherein, for each of the plurality of sensing types, the determination unit selects, from among the plurality of first sensing results, the sensing results that correspond to the sensing type of the device having a superior sensing performance for the sensing type, respectively, among the plurality of devices. 
     (7) 
     The information processing apparatus according to (5) or (6), wherein, for each of the plurality of sensing types, the determination unit selects, from among the plurality of first sensing results, the sensing results that correspond to the sensing type of the device having a superior manufacturing-source reliability level, respectively, among the plurality of devices. 
     (8) 
     The information processing apparatus according to any one of (5) to (7), wherein, for each of the plurality of sensing types, the determination unit selects, from among the plurality of first sensing results, the sensing results that correspond to the sensing type of the device having a superior user evaluation grade stored in association with each of the plurality of devices. 
     (9) 
     The information processing apparatus according to any one of (4) to (8), wherein, for each of the plurality of sensing types, the determination unit determines the one or more second sensing results by selecting the sensing results that correspond to the sensing type, respectively, from among the plurality of first sensing results, on the basis of a distance between each of the plurality of devices and the user, performance information of each of the plurality of devices, a manufacturing-source reliability level of each of the plurality of devices, and a user evaluation grade associated with each of the plurality of devices. 
     (10) 
     The information processing apparatus according to any one of (4) to (9), 
     wherein the plurality of sensing types include sensing of sound, and 
     wherein the determination unit determines the one or more second sensing results by prioritizing selection, from among the plurality of first sensing results, of sensing results for which a user utterance sound is sensed as a direct sound over selection of sensing results for which the user utterance sound is sensed as an indirect sound. 
     (11) 
     The information processing apparatus according to any one of (4) to (10), wherein the output control unit causes an output unit to output the information in an output form that corresponds to the user state estimated using the one or more second sensing results. 
     (12) 
     The information processing apparatus according to (11), 
     wherein the information is notification information for the user, and 
     wherein the output control unit causes the output unit to output speech that corresponds to the notification information for the user in an output form that corresponds to the user state estimated using the one or more second sensing results. 
     (13) 
     The information processing apparatus according to (12), 
     wherein the output control unit determines notification timing for the notification information for the user on the basis of the user state estimated using the one or more second sensing results and 
     causes the output unit to output speech that corresponds to the notification information for the user, with the determined notification timing. 
     (14) 
     The information processing apparatus according to any one of (11) to (13), further comprising: a storage unit that stores, in association with the device that has sensed each of the one or more second sensing results, information which indicates the evaluation grade obtained from the user with respect to an output of the information after the information has been output by the output unit. 
     (15) 
     The information processing apparatus according to any one of (11) to (14), further comprising: a transmission control unit that causes a communication unit to transmit, to the device that has sensed each of the one or more second sensing results, information which indicates the evaluation grade obtained from the user with respect to an output of the information after the information has been output by the output unit. 
     (16) 
     The information processing apparatus according to (15), further comprising: 
     the communication unit; and 
     a user state estimation unit that estimates the user state by using the one or more second sensing results, 
     wherein the communication unit receives the plurality of first sensing results from the plurality of devices. 
     (17) 
     The information processing apparatus according to any one of (11) to (16), further comprising: 
     a sensor unit that performs sensing with respect to each of one or more of the plurality of sensing types, 
     wherein, for each of the plurality of sensing types, the determination unit determines the one or more second sensing results by selecting, on the basis of the predetermined reference, the sensing results relating to the user and that correspond to the sensing type, respectively, from among the plurality of first sensing results and the sensing results from the sensor unit. 
     (18) 
     The information processing apparatus according to (17), wherein, for each of the plurality of sensing types, if it is determined that the user-related sensing that corresponds to the sensing type by the sensor unit is impossible or if the accuracy of the user-related sensing results that correspond to the sensing type by the sensor unit is lower than a predetermined threshold value, the determination unit selects, on the basis of the predetermined reference, sensing results that correspond to the sensing type, respectively, from among the plurality of first sensing results. 
     (19) 
     An information processing method, comprising: 
     determining, on the basis of a predetermined reference, one or more second sensing results used in estimating a user state from among a plurality of first sensing results received from a plurality of devices; and 
     controlling, by a processor, an output of information on the basis of the one or more second sensing results. 
     (20) 
     A program for causing a computer to function as: 
     a determination unit that determines, on the basis of a predetermined reference, one or more second sensing results used in estimating a user state from among a plurality of first sensing results received from a plurality of devices; and 
     an output control unit that controls an output of information on the basis of the one or more second sensing results. 
     REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 
     
         
         
           
               10  TERMINAL 
               20  DEVICE 
               22  COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK 
               70  SERVER 
               100 ,  200 ,  700  CONTROL UNIT 
               102 ,  702  DETERMINATION UNIT 
               104 ,  704  USER STATE ESTIMATION UNIT 
               106 ,  706  OUTPUT CONTROL UNIT 
               108 ,  708  TRANSMISSION CONTROL UNIT 
               120 ,  220 ,  720  COMMUNICATION UNIT 
               122 ,  222  SENSOR UNIT 
               124  OUTPUT UNIT 
               126 ,  224 ,  722  STORAGE UNIT