Vision and driving support for shielded vehicles - implementation and test of an electronic vision replacement system with augmented reality

The compromises encountered in the design of shielded and armored vehicles regarding the trade-offs between outside visibility and crew protection often result in the decrease of situational awareness. Drivers using busy roads face the challenge of maneuvering large vehicles, which, due to their safety requirements, have large blind spots that make it difficult to detect elements that could pose a threat to the safety of the crew and the vehicle. This paper presents the implementation of a camera-monitor system used as an electronic vision replacement and its evaluation results from a test trial with soldiers from the German Bundeswehr. Additionally, elements of Augmented Reality were incorporated to further assist the driver while navigating through the simulated urban scenario.