Intelligent System to Recreate
Sri Lankan History

An Augmented Reality (AR) application tailored for indoor navigation within complex structures like hospitals was developed[1]. This innovative app empowers users to precisely pinpoint their locations within vast indoor spaces using smartphones or tablets. The researchers also conducted a user evaluation to assess the app's usability and overall effectiveness.In another study[2], researchers explored the creation of immersive virtual models of historical buildings using AR and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies. They addressed challenges related to historical accuracy, proposing a comprehensive framework that includes 3D modeling, texturing, and lighting techniques to faithfully recreate these structures.

Research paper [3] used Deep Learning and Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) to identify ancient artifacts, achieving 90% classification accuracy. Source [4] focused on Optical Character Recognition (OCR) with CNN, but limited data led to recognizing only 9 characters. Source [5] proposed a recommendation system using item features and a k-nearest neighbor algorithm to enhance recommendation accuracy.

Proposed Problem

Sri Lanka is that the country boasts numerous historically significant sites, such as ancient temples, palaces, and forts, which offer valuable insights into the nation's culture and history. However, these sites have deteriorated, with their intricate artwork faded. This decay has made it challenging for local and foreign visitors to obtain accurate information about the historical sites, diminishing their appeal.

The local guides may not always possess accurate or up-to-date knowledge, relying on ancestral information. Language barriers and a lack of understanding of ancient inscriptions further prevent visitors from fully appreciating the cultural and historical significance of these sites. Additionally, many tourists miss out on lesser-known historical sites as they rely on online information, potentially overlooking hidden sites. Therefore, there is a need to address these issues and enhance the overall visitor experience at historical sites in Sri Lank..

The proposed system consists of 6 main components. They are;

1. AR (Augmented Reality) based model of the Vatadage
2. AR and computer-vision based navigation system.
3. Voice-controlled digital assistant.
4. Real-time artifact detection and classification
5. Identification of letters in inscriptions and convert to readable form.
6. Develop a recommendation system for the users.

The proposed solution aims to provide a comprehensive and technologically advanced mobile application tailored to restoring and exploring the historic Vatadage monument. As shown in the Fig. 2 the multifaceted approach encompasses various cutting-edge technologies, including AR, AR-based navigation, object detection algorithms, inscription translation, and recommendation system. Through the integration of AR, users can virtually traverse the Vatadage in its original splendor, allowing them to witness the monument's grandeur as it stands in its prime.

The application employs sophisticated object detection algorithms to provide users comprehensive insights into artifacts, facilitating identification and classification. Users can access translations and analyses of the inscriptions discovered within the Vatadage, shedding light on the ancient language, historical events, and religious rituals of the Polonnaruwa era. Furthermore, users will receive recommendations for exploring other significant historical sites based on their preferences and historical data.