SBIR-STTR Award

In this project we will develop a framework for and demonstrate the feasibility of a neural signal processing system for informing cognitive models. Specifically, we will use single-trial analysis of EEG to inform a cognitive model of socio-cultural behavior. Our framework will include 1) a methodology for mapping characteristics of neural signals to cortical processes and cognitive modules, 2) a neural signal processing toolbox for detecting and characterizing EEG, 3) a methodology for informing cognitive models based on the relationship between neural signals, cortical processes and modules of canonical cognitive models, 4) a methodology for relating neural signals and cortical processing modules to high-level socio-cultural relevant cues and events (e.g. facial expressions and “faux-pas”) and 5) demonstration of the utility of neural signal informed cognitive models for socio-cultural situational awareness. Neuromatters and its academic collaborators, being pioneers in the field of EEG-informed cognitive modeling, and together with DoD partners at HRED/ARL, provide unique expertise which will result in completely new neuromorphic approaches for building robust cognitive models for training, war-gaming and socio-cultural interaction.

Keywords:
Electroencephalography (Eeg), Neural Signal Processing, Cognitive Model, Single-Trial Analysis, Hscb, Socio-Cultural Situational Awareness, Cultural Faux-Pas

There is at present a lack of portable, practical and non-invasive sensing platforms to: a. understand, detect and present neural events triggered by narratives; b. to derive cognitive interpretations of a story and link them to semantic interpretations, the story’s function and/or the storyteller’s intent. Based on the Phase I design of a system, termed “Cognitive Capture™”, to enable the unobtrusive capture and decoding of neural activity elicited by natural events and stimuli, the proposed Phase II efforts aim to develop a novel EEG-based sensing platform , and bestow it with pioneering narrative-focused analytical tools.

Keywords:
Neural decoding, narrative, neural synchrony, cognitive capture, EEG.