A Unified Framework for Underwater Metaverse with Optical Perception

With the advancement of AI technology and increasing attention to deep-sea exploration, the underwater Metaverse is gradually emerging. This article explores the concept of underwater Metaverse, emerging virtual reality systems, and services aimed at simulating and enhancing the virtual experience of marine environments. First, we discuss potential applications of underwater Metaverse in underwater scientific research and marine conservation. Next, we design the architecture and highlight the corresponding design requirements. Then, we present the characteristics of different underwater imaging technologies, such as underwater acoustic imaging, underwater radio imaging, and underwater quantum imaging, in the supporting technologies of the underwater Metaverse. Quantum imaging (QI) technology is suitable for extremely low-light underwater environments, improving the precision and efficiency of underwater imaging. Based on this, we present a use case for building a realistic underwater virtual world using underwater quantum imaging-generative artificial intelligence (QI-GenAI) technology. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the underwater Metaverse framework in simulating complex underwater environments, thus validating its potential to provide high-quality, interactive underwater virtual experiences. Finally, the article examines important future research directions of underwater Metaverse and provides new perspectives for marine science and conservation.