Design and implementation of an augmented reality system for VBS2

This report describes the implementation of an Augmented Reality (AR) system for Virtual Battlespace 2 (VBS2). The AR system is developed using VBS2Fusion, which is a C++ based application programming interface (API) for VBS2. VBS2Fusion has functionality that makes it possible to implement graphical overlays in VBS2. The AR system is designed for use in combat vehicles like Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFV) and Main Battle Tanks (MBT), and gives the commander, gunner and driver information in the form of graphical symbols in their sights and periscopes. The system works together with an experimental Battlefield Management System (BMS) developed at FFI, and visualizes information from the BMS. The AR system was developed in order to be able to experiment with the design of AR functionality in combat vehicles in a simulated environment, and to evaluate the benefit of this kind of functionality in combat. The system was used in a large experiment in FFIs Battle Lab in November 2011.