Neuro Cognitive Control of Human Machine Systems

Augmented vision systems for dismounted warfighters provide an integrated array of imaging sensors working in concert and in synergy with network-centric sources of information and other sensor inputs. While such systems hold great promise, they also impose a steep cognitive load on the user, as the time and attention required to control the system diminishes the user's ability to perform the mission at hand. We propose incorporating a neurocognitive interface into a state-of-the-art augmented vision system. Such an enhancement will give the user to seamless control of the system, making it a natural extension of their senses. This interface can also potentially make use of the user's subconscious brain activity to detect, classify, and track potential targets, taking advantage of the brain's extensive capabilities without distracting the user. In Phase I of the proposed work, we will define the requirements for such a system and formulate a plan for the development of a prototype.