User:Rishi Kale/sandbox

=Neuroergonomics=

Overview

 * Aims of the field
 * Describing the combination of neuroscience and human factors in neuroergonomics.
 * Introduction to various concepts and subfields within neuroergonomics.

Types of Neuroimaging tools

 * The first way is to display cerebral metabolic processes associated with neural activity with the use of a functional MRI (fMRI) and transcranial Doppler (TCD) sonography.
 * An fMRI allows for researchers to localize neural activity within the brain.
 * The second way that neuroimaging is used is to identify the timing of neural processing, with the use of electroencephalography (EEG) and event-related potentials (ERPs).

Quantifying Mental Workload

 * Can be quantified by an increase in cerebral blood flow in regions of the prefrontal cortex (PFC).
 * Many fMRI studies show that there is increased PFC activation during a working memory task.

Adaptive Automation
Refers to a human-machine system that uses real-time assessment of the operator’s workload to make the necessary changes to enhance performance Current research into assessing a person's mental state includes using facial electromyography to detect confusion.

Applications

 * Vision-based motion control system for high-precision servo-track writing and the robotic pick-up of moving objects

Challenges of Implementation

 * The need for real-time assessment has increased the demand for developing quick, non-invasive, and accurate sensing tools.
 * From a mechanical engineering perspective, that getting the machine to accurately reason how to respond to the changes and get back to peak performance is the biggest challenge.
 * This is also a consequence of the complexity of the system and factors such as: how easily can the sensed parameter be quantified, how many parameters in the machine’s system can be changed, and how well can these different machine parameters be coordinated.

Brain-computer Interfaces
The use of different types of brain signals to operate external devices, without any motor input from the person.

Applications

 * Voice synthesizers
 * Movement of robotic arms

Genetic Influence on Cognitive Abilities
Examines the differences in cognitive functioning between individuals, as a result of variations in specific gene.

Studies

 * Studies found that working memory accuracy was directly related to the number of G alleles in the DBH gene, while efficiency of shifting attention in a cueing exercise was directly related to the number of C alleles in the CHNRA gene.

Virtual Reality

 * Virtual reality could allow for testing how human operators would work in dangerous environments without actually putting them in harm’s way
 * It would allow the testing of how fatigue or a new technology would affect a driver or a pilot in their specific environment, without the possibility of injury.
 * Being able to evaluate the effects of some new workplace technology in virtual reality, before real life implementation, could save money, and more importantly, save lives.

Challenges of Implementation

 * Bringing virtual reality technology to the point where it can accurately mimic real life will be difficult, but its advantages are undeniable.