ABSTRACT
Initially, this paper gives a brief introduction to the principles of Outdoor Augmented Reality, its impact on mental model buildup in a military context and an overview over a new system developed at Fraunhofer FKIE. The system features differential GPS for translational tracking, inertial sensors for rotational tracking and a modular, helmet-attachable vision mockup with a digital camera as source for the reality context. To assure always up-to-date information feed, a wireless information infrastructure has been designed, in conjunction with an executive command information system and an advanced blue force tracking approach. With special focus on enhanced situation through Augmented Reality, details of an empirical study are conducted, focusing on the interplay of colors, symbols and quantity information as components of NATO tactical signs, used as additional information in the open field. Twenty male subjects have been tested on their capabilities of situation awareness creation by utilizing a laboratory setup of the AR system. Results are discussed, and as a conclusion, an adaptive information layer approach is proposed to handle information overflow.
