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The effects of Augmented Reality on operator Situation Awareness and Head-Down Time
Koen Pieter Houweling1, Steven C Mallam2, Koen van de Merwe1
1Department of Maritime Operations, University of South-Eastern Norway, Borre, Norway; Group Research and Development, DNV, Høvik, Norway.
Applied Ergonomics
|December 28, 2023
Summary
Augmented Reality (AR) significantly reduced navigator head-down time by 62% in maritime simulations. While AR did not improve situation awareness (SA), it increased crucial head-up time, potentially enhancing maritime safety.
Area of Science:
- Maritime safety
- Human-computer interaction
- Augmented Reality applications
Background:
- Navigator situation awareness (SA) is vital for maritime safety.
- Lack of SA is a leading cause of maritime accidents.
- Augmented Reality (AR) offers potential to improve SA by integrating data into the navigator's field of view.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of AR on navigator situation awareness (SA).
- To assess the impact of AR on head-down time (HDT) during maritime navigation.
- To contribute empirical data on AR's influence on operator performance in maritime settings.
Main Methods:
- A within-group quasi-experimental design was employed.
- Seventeen navigators and nautical students participated in a maritime training simulator.
- Twelve navigation scenarios (six non-AR, six AR) were analyzed for SA and HDT.
Main Results:
- AR significantly reduced head-down time (HDT) by a factor of 2.67.
- Head-down occurrences decreased by 62% with AR implementation.
- AR did not significantly improve situation awareness (SA) scores.
Conclusions:
- AR technology shows potential for increasing head-up time in maritime navigation.
- Reduced HDT with AR may indirectly contribute to improved maritime safety.
- Further research is needed to fully understand AR's impact on SA and operator performance.
