Study of Cluster Animation Creation Based on Playmaker Visual Programming and Its Application in VR System

This study leverages the fossil resources of Hezheng to create a virtual exhibition system using virtual reality technology, offering a new perspective and approach to paleontological research. Hezhengia, Hipparion, and Platybelodon are three representative ancient creatures of the Hezheng region that played significant roles in geological evolution. By reconstructing these ancient creatures and combining Unity's virtual reality engine with the Playmaker visual programming approach, we designed and produced cluster animation scenes for these three types of ancient creatures. The scenes allow for interactive ground roaming and aerial perspectives of the virtual environment. We developed an immersive VR version, enabling viewers to personally explore the world of these prehistoric creatures through a roaming experience. For convenient screen display, a Windows version was also developed. The project leverages Unity's real-time rendering features and the Playmaker visual programming tool, facilitating the creation of virtual scenes and offering new ideas and methods for generating and producing cluster animations. The project provides not just a simple reproduction of ancient creatures but also a scientifically visualized approach to biological simulation. It enables people to intuitively understand the behaviors of ancient creatures within their natural environments. Additionally, this project provides digital resources for virtual tourism.