Archaeological Excavation Simulation for Interaction in Virtual Reality

Abstract

We propose a real-time excavation simulation system for interactive gameplay in Virtual Reality. In order to increase the player's immersion, our simulation system will produce actual potholes and clods according to the depth and angle of the players excavation. We divide the process into three phases: ground deformation, clod generation and clod fragmentation. In ground deformation, we describe how to simulate the topographic changes before and after excavation. In clod generation, we describe how to generate the clod which mesh matches the depth and angle of the players excavation action. In clod fragmentation, the clods are broken and fall as the shovel lifts. This simulation system can create excavation effects on different geologies by changing the material of the ground and clods.