As augmented reality (AR) applications become ever more popular in industry and military training contexts, it is critical that these immersive platforms be designed and used with a clear understanding of their benefits and limitations. AR applications have significant potential to accelerate training timelines and improve operational performance as a result of their ability to present data and information in a more realistic and embodied context. However, physiological maladaptation following prolonged AR exposure is not only possible, it is quite probable due to restricted field of view and vergence-accommodation mismatches. It is thus crucial for the scientific and research communities to fully understand and characterize the potential for and magnitude of physiological maladaptation imparted by AR systems. Since AR has been shown to produce less overtly incapacitating physiological symptoms (e.g., less nausea and more eyestrain) than its counterpart, virtual reality (VR), it is likely users will stay in immersive AR environments longer, potentially causing more severe and persistent adverse outcomes. If extended exposure within AR systems produces adverse physiological effects, such as ataxia, degraded hand-eye coordination, or shifts in visual functioning, these limitations will have implications on training effectiveness and operational safety. This study presents a comparison of cybersickness between two types of AR. By comparing the Magic Leap One, a multi-depth plane head worn display, with an AR tablet-based platform within the context of extended-duration AR training exposure, it will be possible to determine what differences exist between these two displays in terms of their physiological impact as measured using an objective measure of functioning post exposure (i.e., postural stability). Results from this experiment will be used to evaluate the physiological limitations of extended AR exposure and develop usage protocols to ensure safety and effectiveness when employing AR in a military medical training context and beyond.
Human Performance Analysis and Engineering
Augmented Reality in Tactical Combat Casualty Care: Physiological Ramifications
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