Mobile Sightseeing and Navigation System with Photograph Superimposition Function: On Return Route Search Methods

Nagasaki Prefecture in Japan has a very unique tour called "Saruku," a walking sightseeing tour comprising several famous sites. We propose a mobile system that uses old photographs of these sites to enhance the "Saruku" experience. The most distinguishing feature of the proposed system is its ability to superimpose old photographs onto the scenery. When this system is utilized in places where the old photographs were taken, it evokes a feel of that scene from the past. This is a kind of augmented reality. The system also provides a function for the users to facilitate navigation to the places where the old photographs were taken. Further, if users deviate from the established route, the system is able to determine the return path back to the "Saruku Route." The proposed system and details of the return path calculation are presented in this paper.