Use of Augmented Reality in Experimentation with New Equipment Training for Electro-Optic Infrared (EOIR) Sensors

We propose to develop and demonstrate reliable, robust and effective methods for presenting and evaluating the combined effects of augmented reality and appropriate EO/IR sensor imagery on human-in-the-loop psycho-physical perception. The augmented reality metrics and test methodology, test imagery, and software developed along with proof-of-principle testing conducted in Phase I provide a foundation for the research and developed to be conducted in the Phase II effort. The Phase II effort will result in a software and hardware design and development of Simulation for Perception Experimentation using Augmented Reality (SPEAR). The prototype SPEAR and test methods developed will provide a capability to assess the use of augmented reality in providing enhanced, real-world experimentation and training to Soldiers using new EO/IR sensor modalities. The Phase II simulation advancements include increasing the experimentation difficulty, varying the conditions in which metrics are collected, and establishing a repeatable experiment for use in a perception testing laboratory. Our goal for the proposed effort is to develop and demonstrate a prototype simulator that integrates hardware and software to allow simulation for perception experimentation using augmented reality.