The Army is procuring the Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS) system to enable enhanced night vision, planning, and training capability and is researching the functionality of the IVAS system to maximize its effective implementation. One known limitation of the IVAS system is the limited ability to portray virtual entities at far ranges in outdoor environments due to light wash out, accurate positioning, and dynamic occlusion. This significantly limits the ability of IVAS to support training outside of outdoor close combat environments.
The primary goal of this research was to evaluate fixed three-dimensional visualizations to support outdoor training for fire teams through squads (9-12 personnel). Doing so required enabling target visualizations for 3D non-player characters or vehicles at ranges up to 300 meters. We evaluated these visualizations by conducting a study to determine the realism of virtual objects displayed as part of the real world.
Preliminary efforts included working with Virtual Reality Rehab to develop software which tied GPS locational data with virtual entity placement, and employment of sensors to adjust device light levels to produce more realistic rendering of virtual objects.
This study will be conducted from March through April and will include 10-20 active-duty military test subjects visualizing virtual personnel, buildings, and vehicles in three scenarios located on the NPS (Naval Postgraduate School) campus using a HoloLens II. Outdoor location considerations included shadows, background clutter, cars blocking the field of view, and the sun's positioning. Users will provide feedback on identifying the type of object, and the difficulty in finding the object.
We predict increased effectiveness out to 200 meters, but limited to no improvement of virtual visualizations beyond 200 meters due to background clutter and multiple light wash-out layers. Results will inform ongoing and future research related to the IVAS Squad immersive Virtual Trainer and live/virtual training.
Keywords
AUGMENTED AND VIRTUAL REALITY (AR/VR),AVATAR,HEAD-MOUNTED DISPLAYS,TEAM TRAINING
Additional Keywords
STE