| Augmented reality (AR) is an emerging technology that superimposes digital information directly on top of a user’s real world view. AR may have great potential for aiding safe marine navigation, however the devices currently available have significant limitations that prevent them from being practical for marine usage. While suitable devices are still a few years away from the market, we propose that research into AR-aided marine navigation can and should be conducted now. Towards this goal, we have developed a virtual reality simulation system that allows us to experiment with a range of possible AR devices and information overlays within a dynamic and highly flexible ship simulation. This strategy avoids challenging registration issues and being tied to any particular prototype AR hardware. The project’s goals include identifying the technical specifications required for future AR devices to be useful in navigation, what information is most beneficial to display, and what types of visual representations are best for conveying that information. |