Augmented Reality to support maintenance has been an area of study for over 50 years. In recent years, advances in commercially available hardware platforms offer increased potential value from augmented reality solutions. Like an aircraft heads-up display, Augmented Reality systems insert information in the maintainer’s visual field and, using a camera, can interpret and analysis what the user sees, potentially sharing that information with a remote collaborator. The enhancements provided by Augmented Reality on a maintainer’s workflow can range from intuitive access to digital documentation that can increase time on task to real-time computer-assisted visual assessments that reduce both maintainer cognitive load and likelihood of errors. However, Augmented Reality platforms can vary drastically in terms of capabilities and the effects they can have on the human visuomotor system. For example, without appropriate matching to the distance of the work, stereoscopic Augmented Reality headsets with lead to eye strain and impair a maintainer’s ability to assess distance. Differences in onboard cameras can degrade an Augmented Reality platform’s ability to present relevant details in the visual field and lead to misleading assessments of task performance. Obtaining optimal value and benefits from investments in this technology requires consideration of the unique characteristics of each combination of platform, use environment, use case, and the content that will be presented. Our paper will present guidelines to consider when purchasing Augmented Reality solutions to help potential users determine appropriate maintenance-based use-cases and estimate the return on investment from purchases of augmented reality technology. In the paper, which is follow-on work to a paper presented at I/ITSEC 2022, we will explore the types of platforms used to drive visual augmented reality, how these platforms integrate with the human visuomotor system, how hardware limitations limit the capabilities of a platform, and rules of thumb to define platform requirements based on the use case.
Keywords
AUGMENTED AND VIRTUAL REALITY (AR/VR), AUTOMATION, HUMAN FACTORS
Additional Keywords