Camouflage Assessment of Color Pattern Strategies in Different Environmental Contexts

This study examined the effectiveness of adaptive camouflage patterns according to environmental contexts. We performed visual search tasks using photo simulation to evaluate the effectiveness of camouflage strategies. Pattern combination strategies from a previous study were used. Each one of the 4 strategies (Average [A], AverageRandom [AR], Main [M], and MainRandom [MR]) were presented in 3 environmental contexts (Woodland, Rural, and Urban), and performance (Error Rate) was measured. An analysis of performance revealed the main effect of strategy and a significant interaction between strategy and the context. Strategy A appeared to be more effective than the others. The A and AR strategies were better in the Woodland context, and strategies A and M appeared to be superior to the others in the Urban and Rural contexts. This study can be the foundation for determining optimal adaptive camouflage patterns in different environmental contexts and provide a theoretical basis for future military uniforms.