Mixed Reality Training für Einsatzkräfte mit einem Video See-Through Head-Mounted Display

Regular, ecient and controllable training of first responders is an important aspect of disaster preparedness. By using new approaches and technologies real world manoeuvres could be shifted into Virtual Reality (VR) oering new possibilities and enhancements. In order to achieve this, we developed a simulation containing various components to replicate as many characteristics as possible of a real life training session. The implementation includes the ability to connect multiple participants simultaneously and let them interact with themselves as well as with real world objects. A flexible and adaptive video see-through function cooperates with a body parts motion tracking device resulting in a Mixed Reality (MR) environment while preserving the immersion of the Virtual Environment (VE). Furthermore, I integrated a control User Interface (UI) to provide capabilities such as monitoring the procedures from variable aspects or triggering incidents within the simulation. This server interface enhances the educational benefits of the system as it is capable of switching and repeating dierent scenarios by oering the exact same conditions and parameters without additional expense or risks. Our sophisticated training environment and its functionalities were tested with participants from the Austrian Military focused on Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense (CBRN) preparedness and we conclude that this VR training simulation can extend real-life disaster preparedness with additional features, and decrease negative side eects such as hazardous conditions, expensive setups and hard to control parameters.