Citation

Dorneich MC, Mathan S, Ververs PM, Whitlow SD. Proc. Hum. Factors Ergon. Soc. Annu. Meet. 2007; 51(4): 146-150.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/154193120705100401

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This paper describes an evaluation conducted with a full platoon of 32 Soldiers at Aberdeen Proving Grounds' MOUT site in Aberdeen, MD. The objective was to assess the cognitive workload classification techniques driven by neuro-physiological (EEG) and physiological (ECG) sensors. In a first ever evaluation of real-time cognitive monitoring in the harsh operational environment, the assessment culminated in a three phase, 24-hour mission consisting of a coordinated Route Reconnaissance, a Cordon and Search of a village, and a Hasty Defense operation. Task load levels were manipulated by introducing unexpected and unplanned events requiring re-planning and extensive coordination by the leadership (high task load) as well as lulls in the activity in which part missions were executed flawlessly with little variations on the preplanned, well versed drill (low task load). Four leaders (Platoon Leader, Platoon Sergeant, Squad Leader 1, and Squad Leader 2) were equipped with sensors to measure and output cognitive state in real-time. The fused EEG and ECG workload classification approach reached 95% accuracy depending on the individual and the amount of data used to train the classifier. This level of success implies that Augmented Cognition workload assessment tools enable the ability to move beyond subjective workload rating scales, such as NASA TLX and Cooper Harper ratings, to more objective measurements of real-time cognitive state metrics in almost any conceivable operational environment.

Language: en