Context-driven Infospace Configuration for Augmented Cognitive Readiness

The cognitive readiness of the warfighter has become one of the critical factors that determines rapid and effective decisions on the battlefield. Our objective in this effort is to develop an approach for Context-driven Infospace Configuration forAugmented Cognitive Readiness to support task execution in complex, high-value and high-risk mission environments. In Phase I we demonstrated the general feasibility of the approach for Air Operation Center (AOC) tasks in the context of a Destruction ofEnemy Air Defenses scenario. The elicited knowledge, and the proposed cognitive model, in conjunction with the prototyped technology for automated tactical situation interpretation have shown how information delivery and functional access can be configuredto increase warfighter situational understanding and task performance.In Phase II, we propose to expand the prototyped capability by eliciting a comprehensive collection of supporting knowledge, and by developing a comprehensive inferential framework for predicting information needs and tasks associated with a givenoperational context. In combination with an enhanced cognitive model, this framework will allow the concentration of information and processing access within AOCs into a mission-centric interface with increased task effectiveness and reduced overload. Theresulting prototype will support integration with the current AOC environments, and other C2 applications.