Neurophysiological workload assessment in flight

Over the past few years, we developed a neurocognitive assessment system called the cognitive avionics tool set (CATS). This system has been used in fixed and rotary wing aircraft and in automobiles to assess operator workload using physiological and neurocognitive markers. Sensors that we used in the past include dense array electroencephalogram (EEG), electrocardiogram (ECG), galvanic skin response (GSR), pulse oximetry (sPO2), respiration (amplitude and frequency), and non-contact measures such as facial feature point location, facial temperature differences, and eye tracking. We recently integrated a new sensor called the PhotrodeTM manufactured by SRICO. The Photrode is an optical device that detects electrical fields. The device operates by sending a beam of light through a Mach-Zehnder Interferometer (MZI). An electric field modulates the light in a way that can be detected by an optical receiver. Because bio-electrical fields travel through clothing, the Photrode can detect ECG activity remotely, eliminating the need for wires being directly attached to the individual. The Photrode is capable of detecting EEG activity remotely through clothing. This paper provides an overview of CATS.