Tag in the Park: Paving the Way for Proximity-Based AI Pervasive Games

Abstract

In this paper we introduce "Tag in the Park", a mobile platform merging short-range wireless communication and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to create an interactive gamified experience through virtual treasure hunts. Central to this is a mobile app that revolves around the interaction with a network of Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacons and Near Field Communication (NFC) tags. These miniature smart devices provide contextual information, AI challenges, quizzes and nudges for a gamified, and active visitor experience which can help increase engagement and promote physical activity. "Tag in The Park" is currently available for download on both Google Play and Apple Store and the platform is fully set up and open to visitors at Rufford Abbey Park, Nottinghamshire. Results indicate the mobile platform helps engage visitors, encourages exploration and increases visitor economy.

A stand-alone proximity-based gaming wearable for remote physical activity monitoring

“…This is the result of a software configuration that seamlessly merged the virtual gaming world with the physical environment and local POI. While BLE-based gaming has been utilized before (Nilsson et al, 2016a;Vavoula et al, 2019;Kanjo and Woodward, 2023), previous works have always used smartphones rather than wearable devices, that offer a more ubiquitous gaming experience. This wearable approach allows for a user-friendly experience where the screen is continuously updated to show relative location to nearby POI through simple colors and on-screen representations of locations, enabling the platform to be used easily by any user, not only by tech-savvy people.…”