Virtual yamahoko parade experience system with vibration simulation

The objective of this study was to develop a digital museum to preserve and represent an intangible cultural heritage in Kyoto: the Yamahoko Parade of the Gion Festival. We developed an immersive virtual reality environment using the latest information technologies of three-dimensional computer graphics modeling, motion capture, and high-quality sound recording. As a new step, we designed a vibration system as part of the virtual reproduction of the experience of the Yamahoko Parade. We collected the acceleration data of the Fune-hoko float and reproduced the vibration by using a vibration system with six degrees of freedom. We combined vibration, sound, and 3D vision to implement the virtual experience system. The user can experience the vibration of the float, as well as the overall atmosphere, of the Yamahoko Parade from the viewpoint of the parade crews. We also conducted experiments to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed system.