Service-Field Simulator using MR Techniques: Behavior Comparison in Real and Virtual Environments

We developed the Service­Field Simulator (SFS) for virtually providing us with service fields in which the users can walk and perform relatively simple work repeatedly that is frequently seen in actual service fields, and for realizing pre­evaluation for supporting service­field design based on understanding conscious and unconscious behavior of the subjects. In this paper, we report a feasibility study to examine the effectiveness of the SFS by comparing behaviors of users in both of a real environment and augmented virtuality (AV) environment. In this study, we observed the behaviors and eye movements of the subjects through simple tasks. Especially, we evaluated the preservation of sense of absolute orientation by omni­directional display, the hands­free control by footfall and body rotation, and the communication function with others by a photo­realistic avatar. Consequently, we found that the subjects felt high spatial presence and high involvement despite low realism and high task load in the AV environment. Most of all, we confirmed that they kept their sense of absolute orientation and could share information by papers (e.g. maps, indications) and by the photo­realistic avatar in both environments. Also, we found the capability of the SFS for the pre­evaluation of the service fields reproduced in AV environments. We expect that the SFS will be useful to pre­ evaluate service fields.