C-RAM: Cognitively-Based Rapid Assessment Methodology

The essence of information assessment is the process of distinguishing signals from noise. In the military, intelligence analysts are constantly searching for signals that might suggest an adversary's intentions. In each case the analyst must search through a quantity of data, searching for meaningful patterns within the preponderance of noise. In many contexts, the volume of data available is too much for an individual analyst to consider. In these cases, it becomes necessary to divide the work among a team of collaborators. The team of 21st Century Systems, Incorporated and Colorado State University is pleased to propose to research and develop the C-RAM concept, Cognitively-Based Rapid Assessment Methodology. C-RAM manages multiple users interacting with multiple information sources, and provides both textual and visual methods for viewing these data. The C-RAM system allows the analysts to organize the information using different presentation modalities. These separate presentations are used to collect and fuse information. Our goal is to develop a set of tools and agents for collaborative information assessment that will improve group performance by reducing the cognitive effort required to perform these assessment tasks. Intelligent software agents assist the user in visually decluttering their information and directing their attention.BENEFITS: Our goal is to develop a set of tools and agents for collaborative information assessment that will improve group performance by reducing the cognitive effort required to perform these assessment tasks. The first planned product is a decision support software program that allows for subjective input, from multiple sources in determining the outcome of mission critical and time sensitive planning where dispassionate evaluation of unlimited quantities of disparate information is necessary. It will provide an innovative solution that will guarantee the integrity and authenticity of automated collaborative information assessment and data uncertainty analysis functionality in a GIG-NCES (Global Information Grid - Net-Centric Enterprise Services) framework. Initial targeted customers outside of the military services would be Federal government agencies and commercial agencies (C2 Centers, Mission Commanders, Medical Industry BOD, and Airline Industry Executives to name a few) who deal with fast paced, dynamic information management and decision-making environments. These environments are typically characterized by complex and uncertain data, high stakes decision, and decentralized command structures.