A virtual reality application that allows users to view, rotate and magnify three dimensional items located on a virtual environment of cultural heritage.
The Virtual 3D Environment for Cultural Heritage Artifacts is a virtual reality application that allows users to grasp and manipulate three dimensional items located in a virtual environment of cultural heritage. As users approach the virtual environment, the lighting of the room adjusts according to their locations. Users have access to archaeological exhibits that can be viewed, rotated and magnified in the virtual environment. In addition, the system allows users to modify the lighting of the selected 3D object aiming to highlight its details (2 draggable spotlights are enabled/disabled), auto rotating the exhibit along Y axis and resetting the exhibit to its initial position.
The interaction of the user in the virtual reality environment is achieved using physical gestures. Users’ hands are displayed in the virtual world as three-dimensional virtual hands. Thus users can view and manage their position and direction as real world mapping is applied. In addition, users can use their left hand as a menu when the palm is facing the users’ eyes. This menu refers to the last item selected and can be pinned at any time using the pin button at the top right side. It contains an indicative title and image, along with a short textual description. Furthermore, actions on the corresponding exhibit can be applied through the options at the bottom side of the menu.
The Virtual 3D Environment for Cultural Heritage Artifacts constitutes a component that can be employed in various domains, including:
