Infant behavior simulation based on an environmental model and a developmental behavior model

A computational approach to understanding comprehensively the behavior of infants and children, which is required in clarification of the dynamics of a system that includes behavior-related accidents, is needed. The present paper describes a method for simulating infant behavior in a virtual environment. The determinant factors of infant behavior are classified into internal factors, such as the physical and cognitive capabilities estimated from the age of the infant, and external factors, such as visual stimuli from surrounding objects. An infant behavior simulator is developed herein by modeling these internal and external factors. The present paper reports the effectiveness of the newly developed simulator. This simulator enables analysis of infant accidents at home from an engineering point of view and supports the design of rooms and houses that are safer for infants.