Utilization of Automated Virtual Panoramic Environment in Online Public Accommodation Booking System

Abstract

Nowadays, reservation of an accommodation such as hotels and resorts can be made via online booking system. It enables user to search and book any room from any nearby accommodation instantly via browser. However, users cannot visualize accommodation surroundings as the searching result is currently presented in a list view that consists of text and picture. Although some online booking systems offer virtual tour using panoramic view with hotspots of the hotels or resorts, still the hotspots are static and not meant for availability search. This is due to the difficulties in the process of creating and managing a Virtual Panoramic Environment (VPE) where in turn; the systems shortcomings have prevented the users from immersing themselves into the environment. This research proposed a model of Online Public Accommodation Booking System using Virtual Panoramic Environment (OPABS-VPE) that support virtual tour environment for online accommodations reservation. The model is aimed for accommodations' owner to easily upload updated accommodation details and automatically viewed in accommodation availability searching result through a dynamic virtual tour environment.