Virtual Reality with Cognitive Feedback to Manage Cognitive Load for Military Training

The Brightline Interactive Team proposes the development, demonstration and application of a portable, virtual reality (VR) training system with an integrated cognitive feedback system for real-time measurement of cognitive performance in an immersive simulation environment. Brightline has built PAVE (Performance Adaptive Virtual Engine) for adaptive training and simulation to manage real-time cognitive load of pilots and other training personnel. Phase 1 research and feasibility studies will target the development of effective measures for fNIRS and EEG neurosensor technologies as mechanisms for real-time virtual simulation adaptation to measure cognitive response and monitor cognitive load. Brightline will examine the technical implementation of these technologies into existing immersive VR systems such as the HTC Vive and Varjo VR-1 platforms. Furthermore, cognitive neurosensor technologies have been developed that offer tools with which to measure cognitive performance. Neurosensor technologies include functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), electroencephalograph (EEG), and positron emission tomography (PET). All of these technologies have demonstrated functionality in measuring cognitive response. The Brightline Team includes companies at the forefront of neurocognitive measurement technologies.