Analyzing visual clutter of 3D-conformal HMD solutions for rotorcraft pilots in degraded visual environment

Abstract

The increasing maturity of head-tracked optical see-through Head-Mounted Displays (HMDs) for pilot assistance in Degraded Visual Environments (DVE) enables a 3D-conformal presentation of well developed flight guidance parameters, added by scenery content for collision avoidance. With more and more information displayed on the HMD, the challenge of preventing visual clutter grows. In this paper, visual clutter will be analyzed and derived concepts for reducing clutter will be discussed. Additionally, extensions and tailored modifications of the Rotorcraft Simulation Environment (ROSIE) at the Institute of Helicopter Technology for enhanced future pilot evaluations of such HMD-DVE solutions will be described.