On May 2, 2025, Assoc. Prof. Veselka Toncheva from the Institute of Ethnology and Folkloristics with the Ethnographic Museum (IEFEM) at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS) visited University of Ruse “Angel Kanchev”. The visit was connected to the project “3D Data for Cultural Heritage through Three-Dimensional, Automated, Scientifically Grounded Digitization”, implemented by IEFEM. One of the primary goals of the project is the digitization of intangible cultural heritage, including folk dances, customs, and traditional costumes in Bulgaria.
Purpose of the Visit:
- Main objective: To familiarize with the activities and visit the laboratories of the Center of Excellence UNITe, which was built by University of Ruse “Angel Kanchev” under the UNITe Project and specializes in 3D digitization and visualization of cultural and historical heritage.
Key Activities and Demonstrations:
- Prof. Georgi Hristov, Prof. Ivan Beloev, Prof. Plamen Zahariev, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Diana Kinanova, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Georgi Georgiev gave demonstrations of the following for nearly three hours:
- 3D digitization of objects using laser scanners and structured light scanners;
- Creation of digital content and 3D modeling of folk costumes using various software tools;
- Methods for 3D digitization of processes and creation of realistic kinematic models using the optical motion tracking system at CoE UNITe;
- Visualization of the created digital content using holographic systems, augmented reality, and virtual reality, as well as the ability for 3D printing of finished digital models.
- After the presentations and demonstrations, Assoc. Prof. Toncheva had the opportunity to visit the “Makerspace” additive technologies laboratory at the Department of Telecommunications at University of Ruse “Angel Kanchev”.
Conclusion of the Visit:
- At the end of her visit, Assoc. Prof. Toncheva expressed her gratitude to the hosts and stated IEFEM’s readiness to collaborate with University of Ruse and CoE UNITe.
