The long-term objectives of the proposed research are to develop effective multi-modal visualization design guidelines from the perspective of human information processing, problem solving, and visual display theories and to empirically test and validatedetermined guidelines using efficient… More

Current information visualization (IV) techniques primarily focus on visual presentation of data. While these techniques aid human system integration (HSI) design, more advantageous designs may be possible with multimodal information perceptualization(MIP). This new design concept displays… More

Due to a number of challenges faced by training personnel, there is a critical need to develop innovative training management approaches and methods as a means to reduce trainer workload and assure training effectiveness (Roth, 1998). Towards this end, we propose a multi-faceted approach within an… More

The opportunity exists to develop an innovative information delivery solution that will enhance warfighter performance in the context of the "Net Centric Battlespace" and take advantage of developing revolutionary command, control, and communications capabilities. The current effort proposes… More

Improving team communication in distributed C2 environments must start with addressing underlying components of communication problems. First, it is important to understand what defines "good" communications (e.g., domain-specific frequencies, types, shifts from explicit to implicit communication)… More

The current effort proposes the development of a portable, low power, lightweight, unobtrusive, real time, bi-directional haptic communication system using vibratory tactors and sensors embedded in combat attire, which provides real-time information to squad leaders and individual warfighters during… More

Ensuring that training systems are based on operationally, theoretically, and empirically driven requirements is a key component to improve VE system effectiveness because it focuses on the specific training needs and goals at contextually appropriate task and expertise levels. Although… More

Virtual environment (VE) technology is one training method designed to promote effective information transfer to the real world. The goal of many VE trainers is improved cognitive and/or psychomotor performance. While both cognitive and psychomotor behaviors are important to task learning and… More

Intelligence analysts are faced with the demanding tasks of identifying suspicious patterns in large volumes of complex, disparate information sources and predicting numerous possible outcomes based on perceived patterns. The challenge is in transforming information from these unstructured and… More

While early theory suggested training systems would only transfer knowledge and skills to the degree that they were similar to the real world, recent research suggests required fidelity of training systems is dependent upon skills and behaviors associated with targeted training objectives --… More

To meet the challenges imposed on command-and-control environments by next-generation weapons systems and continued reduced manning efforts, we will develop the Proactive Aiding in Command and Control Environments System (PACES) - an automatic agent, informed by real-time data streams from the… More

Cog-Gauge is a portable hand-held game that can be used by astronauts and crew members during space exploration missions to assess their cognitive workload decrements that possibly result from fatigue, stress, or neurocognitive deficits. Cog-Gauge combines behavioral workload assessment using a… More

Conditions on the battlefield sometimes make it difficult to effectively provide critical updates to team members using current communication methods. To resolve this problem, this effort seeks to develop a bi-directional haptic automated communication system (HACS) that is capable of presenting… More

Affective environments may be developed using VE technology to further enhance learning and training transfer to real-world tasks. However, training in such environments has shown limited transfer effects for emotionally-charged tasks, which may be due to inadequate representation of the appropriate… More

n the highly dynamic submarine environment, the Officer of the Deck is the individual primarily responsible for the safety of the ship, subject to orders from the commanding officer (OPNAVINST 3120.32). Key to the officer of the deck's success is the development of adaptive decision making skills,… More

The Cognitive Gauge (CogGauge) tool aims to develop a portable gaming application that assesses cognitive state of astronaut crew members with the goal of determining probable causes of observed cognitive deficits. CogGauge, while engaging astronauts in an entertaining experience, combines… More

Changes in modern warfare are necessitating the provision of efficient and effective training tools for U.S. marines and soldiers. Current low-intensity military operations are multi-dimensional requiring new sociocultural communication skills. In this effort, we propose developing a serious game… More

The Screen-ADAPT system utilizes advances in brain-based sensory technology to develop an advanced training system for baggage screeners that will substantially improve initial and sustainment training over current practices by providing simulated training using real-world data pinpointing specific… More

A variety of training systems exist today, ranging from classroom training to fully immersive simulation-based training-based systems to live training. While these training methods have proven effective in a number of settings, they are limited in the deg

Although vehicle extraction skill training exists in the military, there is a pressing need for casualty extraction training that incorporates environmental dangers and the ability adapt and reuse the training instruments (i.e. the vehicles). Due to the complexities of the various ways in which the… More

The current effort proposes the conceptualization of a portable, low power, lightweight, unobtrusive, real time, tactile communication display system which provides real-time information to squad members during operations where the use of audio or vision is limited. Under this effort, investigators… More

This proposal describes the development plan for the USEability Evaluation and Management (USEMAN) system that assists practitioners in the planning, management and execution of different types of usability evaluations by incorporating a variety of tools as well as automatable evaluation… More

  This proposal addresses the development of a System for Human-factors Assessment and Readiness Evaluation (SHARE).  The SHARE system will enable the classification and modeling of the portfolio of technologies being developed under the Next Generation Air Transportation System… More

As the Army moves forward with the integration of the MRAP Heavy Armored Ground Ambulance (HAGA) as a ground platform for evacuation, there is a critical need to train medics on how to take advantage of the capabilities of the new platform (e.g. access to additional tools and storage space) and… More

Currently there are limited tools to aid in training the task of casualty extraction from a vehicle. The V-Xtract system includes three components that facilitate training on this critical task: A reconfigurable vehicle simulator, a performance metric suite, and a training management system. The… More

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Officers are at the forefront of our nation`s security, and are tasked with screening every bag boarding commercial aircraft within the United States. It is a repetitive visual search task that has a very low probability of encountering a threat, but… More

The Discriminatory Analysis Display Assessment toolkit (DADA) will provide a methodology and embedded data analysis protocol to assess display technology image quality. DADA will identify the image/display characteristics that significantly impact human visual perception, specifically the ability… More