Unit 2: Theoretical basis for the development of a virtual environment
Learning outcomes
By the end of this unit you will be able to,
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Know the fundamentals of virtual environments
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Know the differences between the various branches of the topic: modeling, animation, and lighting
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To learn about the studies and research of the subject at its state of the art
Structure of the Unit:
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Introduction to the subject
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History of virtual environments
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Modeling and computer graphics
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Materials, lighting and animation
Lesson 4: Introduction and history to virtual environments
Topics: Introductory lecture to the course and presentation of the subject. Definition main topics: what is a virtual environment, how it is defined, what it consists of. Brief history of CG and possible applications in today’s world.
Materials: Slides
Lesson 5: Conceptual bases
Topics: Conceptual bases: presence, immersion and interaction in a virtual environment will be discussed. Through techniques and technologies, it is made possible for a user to enter a virtual world, to make him or her feel “in there”.
Materials: Slides
Lesson 6: Theoretical basis I, modelling and CG
Topics: Theoretical basis about modeling and CG. What is a 3D model, how is it formed, through what techniques can a three-dimensional object be created on a pc, through what software?
Materials: Slides
Lesson 7: Theoretical basis II, Materials, lighting and animations
Topics: Materials, lighting, and animations. How to give life and substance to a 3d object: defining concepts such as materials and textures; giving motion to a 3d object through animations.
Materials: Slides
Further readings for unit 2
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Virtual humans in cultural heritage ICT applications: A review: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1296207417301796
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The Key Role of VR In Preserving Cultural Heritage: https://amt-lab.org/blog/2022/4/motivating-usages-of-virtual-reality-in-cultural-heritage
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Virtually Real or Really Virtual: Towards a Heritage Metaverse? https://eprints.gla.ac.uk/226020/1/226020.pdf
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Beyond virtual museums: Experiencing immersive virtual reality in real museums: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1296207410000543