Creating authentic historical costumes to augment virtual humans for cultural heritage

Junyu Zhang*, Alan Henry David Miller, Perin Joy Westerhof Nyman

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Benefiting from the simulation of 3D technologies, the evolution of virtual humans allows them to have a realistic human-like appearance and behaviour, interacting with users and the environment. Today, the application of digital avatars has expanded to computer visualization exhibitions, movies, animations, game engines, etc. This paper investigates a methodology for applying virtual humans to support the digital reconstruction of cultural heritage in virtual reality applications, focusing on converting 2D design sketches of historical costumes into a tangible reality within an immersive VR environment. Through the creation and application of authentic historical outfits, this approach enriched the authenticity of digital avatars, and further expanded the interpretation and representation of cultural heritage for educational and cultural institutions. In addition, this paper evaluated the impacts of avatars on enhancing learning and visiting experiences on the promotion of cultural history diversity. This research is beneficial for exploring how immersive VR technologies bring about equitable quality education and promote learning opportunities in the context of cultural heritage. At the time of writing, the results of this research are adopted in immersive exhibits in the Timespan Museum, West Highland Museum, Finlaggan Museum and Taigh Chearsabhagh, aimed at providing an immersive virtual time travel experience to strengthen lifelong cultural education values and further support the sustainable development goals.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationImmersive Learning Research Network
Subtitle of host publication10th International Conference on Immersive Learning, ILRN 2024, Glasgow, UK, June 10–13, 2024, revised selected papers, part II
EditorsJule M. Krüger, Daniela Pedrosa, Dennis Beck, Marie-Luce Bourget, Andreas Dengel, Rami Ghannam, Alan Miller, Anasol Peña-Rios, Jonathon Richter
Place of PublicationCham
PublisherSpringer
Pages52-67
ISBN (Electronic)9783031804724
ISBN (Print)9783031804717
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2025

Publication series

NameCommunications in computer and information science
PublisherSpringer
Volume2272
ISSN (Print)1865-0929
ISSN (Electronic)1865-0937

Keywords

  • Virtual human
  • Cultural heritage
  • Virtual reality

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