Open experiments of mobile sightseeing support systems with shared virtual worlds

In this paper, we describe results from the experiments of a location-dependent shared virtual world system applied to sightseeing entertainment. This system can be used with GPSphones on the current Japanese market. Users can enjoy interacting with virtual objects including virtual animals/agents. Subjects of the experiments were real tourists who had their own GPS-phones compatible with our system. We found that evaluations on the system varied depending on age, gender, and experiences of subjects. Results from the experiments gave suggestions on prospective users and service design. Categories and Subject Descriptors H5.m [Information Interfaces and Presentation (e.g., HCI)]: Miscellaneous. J.4 [Computer Applications]: Social and Behavioral Sciences General Terms Design, Experimentation, Human Factors. Keywords Shared Virtual Environment, Mobile Phones, User Study.

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2006
• Where: ACMACE
• Authors: Hiroyuki Tarumi, Kayo Yokoo, Shouji Nishimoto, Kazuya Matsubara, Yasushi Harada, Fusako Kusunoki, Sangtae Kim, Yuki Mizukubo
• Keywords: ACMACE 2006, Current Japanese Market, Virtual, Virtual World