The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of research undertaken on behalf of the UK MoD, investigating the maturity and application of Augmented Reality (AR) capabilities. The research has been broadly split into 4 phases consisting of the stakeholder analysis, technology analysis, test-bed development, and exploitation phases. This paper will focus on the technology analysis, and test-bed development phases.
Analysis of AR technology has been undertaken to provide an evaluation of the current state of play and possible future trends that may lead to a lowering of the barriers to entry for AR. The results of this analysis for the display, tracking and software elements of an AR system are presented. In order to explore the technical issues associated with AR technology and convey the issues to the range of MoD stakeholders a test-bed AR system has been developed. Justification for the design of the testbed is presented, and details are given on the individual hardware and software components that are being used.
The research culminated in a series of experimental field trials followed by a demonstration in March 05. The focus for the demonstration was providing training to Forward Air Controllers in a live/virtual Close Air Support exercise. Experiences from the trials and feedback from the stakeholders is also presented.