Augmented Reality Maintenance System (ARMS) for Complex Military Assets Navy SBIR FY2007.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2007.1 Topic No.: N07-005 Topic Title: Augmented Reality Maintenance System (ARMS) for Complex Military Assets Proposal No.: N071-005-0202 Firm: Radiation Monitoring Devices, Inc. 44 Hunt Street Watertown, Massachusetts 02472-4699 Contact: Timothy Tiernan Phone: (617) 668-6800 Web Site: http://www.rmdinc.com Abstract: Currently, equipment maintenance requires highly trained individuals and is labor intensive, expensive and inefficient. The Marine Corps and DOD use written technical manuals and Interactive Electronic Technical Manuals (IETM) to direct technicians through complex maintenance procedures for land vehicles, radar systems, radio communications systems, and ground-based weapon systems. Recently, the internet has made it possible to retrieve relevant maintenance data more quickly using computer search programs. However, technical manuals are still time consuming and tedious to use, and substantial training is needed to extract the appropriate data, understand the technical details for troubleshooting defective components, and the performance of critical maintenance and repairs. RMD, in collaboration with Dr. Steven Feiner at Columbia University, proposes a revolutionary new technology for equipment maintenance based on Augmented Reality (AR). The AR-based maintenance system will guide the equipment maintainer through the entire maintenance process, from the identification of defective components to the detailed repair methodology and the functional test sequence. The Augmented Reality system will be graphics intensive and interactive, making it simple and highly intuitive to use. It will augment the abilities of the technician by providing the type of guidance normally associated with an expert human trainer. Benefits: The result of a successful Phase I/Phase II program will be a new augmented reality system for maintenance of complex military assets. It will aid the maintainer by providing test and repair protocols that are integrated with the normal visual image of the asset, combined with an AR image that assists in the location of defects, and the proper tools and sequence needed for repair. The technology will offer capabilities far superior to those currently available for mantainers using on-line manuals and written directions. The system will be automated and require limited operator training to operate. The system will provide guidance and training for the maintainer depending on the individual experience and training level of each individual operator. The technology will find markets in maintenance, machine vision, battlefield simulation, process control, manufacturing and quality control. Return