Remote Neurological Measurement and Sensing

This program combines state-of-the-art research into the determination of cognitive state and autonomic arousal with a recent breakthrough in electrophysiologic sensors. The sensor breakthrough enables accurate measurement of bioelectric signals without close contact to the skin, and opens up the possibility of a wearable (e.g. through clothing) sensor suite for operational environments. Additional data from respiration obtained via the Vivometrics "Lifeshirt" system, and conventional galvanic skin response, will be included. The goal of Phase I is to identify sensors combinations that can be used as inputs to algorithms (gauges) to assess cognitive state and cognitive capacity under high stress conditions. In Phase I we will project how well existing methods for determining cognitive state can be expected to work under conditions of high mental and physical stress. We will also measure the level of noise and artifacts when the candidate sensors are used on subjects undergoing high physical stress. In Phase II, a functional prototype including the sensor array and all algorithms will be demonstrated. The target configuration for the Phase II system is a small array of the new bioelectrodes mounted on the inside of a helmet with additional respiration and skin sensors as needed...