Metaverse for Social Good: A University Campus Prototype (2108.08985v1)

Abstract: In recent years, the metaverse has attracted enormous attention from around the world with the development of related technologies. The expected metaverse should be a realistic society with more direct and physical interactions, while the concepts of race, gender, and even physical disability would be weakened, which would be highly beneficial for society. However, the development of metaverse is still in its infancy, with great potential for improvement. Regarding metaverse's huge potential, industry has already come forward with advance preparation, accompanied by feverish investment, but there are few discussions about metaverse in academia to scientifically guide its development. In this paper, we highlight the representative applications for social good. Then we propose a three-layer metaverse architecture from a macro perspective, containing infrastructure, interaction, and ecosystem. Moreover, we journey toward both a historical and novel metaverse with a detailed timeline and table of specific attributes. Lastly, we illustrate our implemented blockchain-driven metaverse prototype of a university campus and discuss the prototype design and insights.

• The paper introduces a modular metaverse prototype that leverages blockchain and multimedia technologies for interactive university environments.
• It outlines a three-layer architecture— infrastructure, interaction, and ecosystem—addressing challenges in decentralization, immersive experiences, and digital asset management.
• The prototype demonstrates potential social benefits by reducing physical barriers and fostering accessibility, diversity, and inclusivity in academic settings.

Metaverse for Social Good: A University Campus Prototype

The concept of the metaverse has evolved significantly since its inception in literature. This paper explores the potential of a metaverse application for a socially beneficial context by presenting a prototype of a university campus, integrating modern blockchain and multimedia technologies. The proposed metaverse architecture comprises three layers: infrastructure, interaction, and ecosystem, each with distinct components and challenges that are addressed by the authors.

Infrastructure Layer

The infrastructure layer lays the foundational elements required for the metaverse's operational integrity. It involves computation, communication, blockchain, and storage technologies. Blockchain, in particular, is highlighted for its ability to support transparency and decentralization, which are critical for sustainable digital economies within the virtual environment. The authors discuss possible research directions, such as the coordination of computational resources and data structures required to handle large-scale data effectively.

Interaction Layer

Interaction forms a critical element by bridging the real and virtual worlds. This includes immersive user experiences, digital twins, and content creation interfaces. By leveraging VR/AR technologies and real-time 3D rendering, the metaverse offers users an engaging experience, seamless interaction, and the ability to create content across various platforms. Future research could focus on enhancing the user's operational ease and integrating input modalities for a more cohesive experience.

Ecosystem Layer

This layer discusses the incorporation of UGC, economic systems, and AI-driven components essential for creating a dynamic and self-sustaining ecosystem. Through blockchain-driven NFTs, the uniqueness and tradability of digital assets can be maintained, fostering innovation and creativity among users. Additionally, decentralized finance offers opportunities to innovate within this virtual economy. The use of AI enriches the metaverse, facilitating interactions through NPCs and enhancing user engagement through personalized experiences.

Applications and Social Implications

The paper presents potential applications for the metaverse, with specific attention to societal benefits such as increased accessibility, diversity, equality, and the preservation of cultural heritage. It exemplifies how the metaverse can serve as a virtual platform that transcends physical limitations, providing a space where traditional barriers like race, gender, or disability are minimized.

Case Study: CUHKSZ Metaverse

As a practical realization of their architectural vision, the authors develop a prototype for The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen. This blockchain-driven virtual campus serves as an interactive environment for students, blending the physical and digital realms. Featuring a Metaverse Viewer for multiple platforms, location-based incentives, and UGC-driven content creation, the campus prototype aims to enrich student experiences while exploring the possibilities of virtual governance and asset trading.

Conclusions and Future Directions

The exploration of a university-based metaverse illustrates the substantial potential of virtual environments to positively impact society. The proposed architecture and prototype signal the start of broader applications that may redefine interactions, economies, and experiences in both virtual and real-world contexts. Future research is encouraged to address the open-ended questions posed within each layer, aiming to refine and expand the metaverse's capabilities toward a holistic societal benefit.

In conclusion, this paper provides a structured framework for understanding and deploying metaverse systems, with emphasis on social good. The CUHKSZ Metaverse prototype showcases the practical applications and potential impacts of such an endeavor, laying the groundwork for future research and development in this burgeoning field.