The purpose of this paper is to present the results of an attempt carried out at the IDF Ground Forces Command Battle-Lab to integrate a Head Mounted Display (HMD) device as part of a peripheral-equipment simulator for infantry. The Battle-Lab is a research oriented simulation environment, where combat scenarios with many multiple human participants can be run to examine the effects novel concepts or technologies could have on scenario outcomes. Previously (Michael et. Al, 2014) an attempt was made at the Lab to evaluate an HMD’s effectiveness as an exclusive display for infantry simulation. At that time, while the device tested was found to have had a positive impact on a participant’s motivation and spatial awareness, it was found lacking in the field of visual fidelity, as well as responsible for an increased incidence of simulation sickness among its wearers. As a result of the previous evaluation it was decided to proceed with the integration of the device, but only in supplementary peripheral simulators. These included a pair of binoculars made available to an infantry soldier for use concurrently with a standard flat-screen first-person infantry simulation. However, given the device’s reputation for causing simulation sickness, and our previous experience with the phenomena, it was decided to monitor the participants’ experience closely. This task was accomplished through simple after-action self-review supplemented by a more detailed daily debriefing with the Simulation Sickness Questionnaire. In this paper are presented the results of this monitoring throughout a series of scenarios carried out at the Battle-Lab in 2014, conclusions from the gathered data, as well as lessons learned from the process of both building and studying simulation sickness in the use of peripheral simulators with HMD integration.
On the Peripheral Application of HMD Devices in Infantry Simulation
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