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 GPS-phones 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.