Research on the Effectiveness of a Visual Protection of Military Objects in Field Conditions and in a Virtual Environment

Abstract: The article presents two methodologies for testing the effectiveness of camouflaging military equipment. The tested objects were camouflaged with deforming camouflage dedicated to the environment and season. The tests covered the visible spectrum and were carried out both in real conditions - training ground, and in a virtual environment – on a specially prepared calibrated stand, characterized by compliance with real conditions and human perception of vision – presented colors, as well as in terms of the amount of information and detail rendering. These two test methods were compared, attention was drawn to the high correlation of results and to some characteristic properties of both separately. The work confirms the legitimacy of developing and improving virtual research methods as supporting in the design and testing of modern camouflage patterns, especially at the initial stage of pattern design. It can also be useful when assessing masking systems in other ranges of electromagnetic radiation: UV, near infrared, or thermal range.