# Exploring the Key Characteristics and Theoretical Framework for Research on the Metaverse
## 4 Theoretical Framework for Metaverse Research
### Technical Association Rules  
The Metaverse depends heavily on technology and results from technological traction and guidance. Various technologies have a role to play in the construction and construction of the Metaverse, but these technologies must be correlated. The significance of the correlation is that not only are the technologies rooted in the Internet, but these technologies are interrelated with each other. Neither individual technologies nor technologies that are unrelated to existing Metaverse technologies can be Metaverse technologies [40].  
There are apparent differences between Metaverse technologies and existing application technologies. Under the constraints of the former rule, Metaverse technologies are, first of all, technologies that connect subjects of the physical world and objects of the virtual world [41]. These technologies should also collaborate with each other around Metaverse applications, i.e., interconnections, such as VR/AR headsets, smart glasses, bright clothing, skin sensors, brain-computer interfaces, and other wearable devices.  
Technical development paths include replica reality, metaphysical reality, and augmented reality regarding crucial Metaverse technologies. However, due to the highly dynamic nature of technological development, Metaverse technologies still need to be finalized. [PERSON], the founder of Eatable, has proposed a seven-layer structure of Metaverse technologies: infrastructure, human-computer interaction, decentralization, spatial computing, creator economy, discovery, and experience. Web 3.0 advocates advocate blockchain and IoT-based technology architectures [6]. This paper summarizes the proposed four-layer architecture model from a practical perspective, as shown in Figure 2.  
The first layer is the underlying facilities. It includes computing devices, the Internet, and sensors, i.e., hardware, computing power, and communication infrastructure. Together, the three build a Metaverse space with a public nature that enables interaction.  
The second layer is the interactive link--for example, decentralized blockchain technology and various alternative technologies that may be developed in the future. The function of this layer is to enhance multiple \"links\" in the infrastructure so that the Internet of Everything is genuinely indispensable and constitutes a veritable Internet of Things [42, 43].  
The third layer is the human--machine interface. The primary function of this layer is to realize human--machine interaction, including smart glasses or helmets with AR or VR technology, miniature biosensors integrated into the skin, and even brain-machine interfaces, which intelligent wearable devices can realize. Interaction devices are currently the most competitive area at the end of Metaverse products and will largely determine the future technology direction of the Metaverse.  
The fourth layer is the interactive experience. This layer is embodied in user-operated platforms, including integrated tools, discovery software, social networks, digital currencies, digital assets, etc., which allow each person to autonomously exercise their talents as creative individuals and create their own Metaverse life [44]. In addition, the new interpersonal relationship between the virtual and the real that is about to develop in the Metaverse society is also the dynamic layer with the most significant technological variables and uncertainty. Many new governance issues deserve to be studied in depth by the academic community [37].  
The overall characteristic of Metaverse technology is interconnectedness, and the interconnection of everything is truly realized in the Metaverse. The contribution of technology to the Metaverse is crucial, and it is an epistemological principle that related Metaverse technologies provide the means and methods for immersion in the Metaverse [2].  
Figure 2: Metaverse technology four-layer architecture diagram.