Design and Implementation of a Metaverse Platform for Traditional Culture: The Chime Bells of Marquis Yi of Zeng

Metaverse platforms become more and more prevalent for collaboration in virtual environments. Metaverse platforms, as opposed to Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, and Mixed Reality, expand with greater social meanings within virtual worlds. The research object in this study is the chime bells of Marquis Yi of Zeng, one of China's most treasured cultural heritages. We intend to create a Metaverse platform for the chime bells of Marquis Yi of Zeng, which provides visitors with a highly immersive and interactive experience. Firstly, the materials and data of the chime bells and other exhibits are collected, as well as historical information. Then, the data are processed and integrated for 3D model reconstruction. In addition, we design the virtual roaming system, in which visitors can interact with the exhibits to obtain multimedia information and even knock to ring chime bells. Finally, our system is built to connect multiple visitors who are geographically located and encourage them to collaborate and communicate within the virtual space. This platform helps to visualize the cultural heritage, simulate real-life tour experiences with intuitive manners of interaction, and motivate visitors’ interest in traditional culture. This research also reveals the potential use of Metaverse-related techniques in cultural heritage sectors.