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Honeywell (NYSE:HON) is developing a human brain stimulated
image analysis system that could dramatically improve the performance
of image analysts by tapping the analyst's brain signals. Honeywell
based their development on the fact that the human brain is
capable of responding to visually salient objects significantly
faster than an individual's visual-motor, transformation-based
response. Simply put, the analyst's brain can register a visual
discovery long before he becomes fully aware of it. Honeywell
is developing the system as part of DARPA's Neurotechnology
for Intelligence Analysts (NIA) program. (More...)
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The new application designated 'Honeywell
Image Triage System' (HITS) will enable Department of Defense
(DoD) personnel to analyze intelligence images up to six times
faster than the current computer-based system, through the use
of sensors monitoring signals in the human brain. These sensors
will monitor brain activity in real time, automatically identifying
and recording brain signals to tag intelligence images worthy
of additional review.
The system presents data to analysts in high-speed bursts of
10 to 20 images per second. Head-mounted electroencephalogram
(EEG) sensors detect neural signals associated with target recognition
as the images are viewed. Neural signals known as "event
related potentials" are used to tag the images that contain
likely targets or threats. At the end of the high-speed scan,
the analysts are able to focus on the small subset of key images
tagged by the brain scan instead of searching slowly and systematically
through every inch of high-resolution satellite images like
current techniques require.
"This [technology will] speed up the intelligence analysis
process by tapping into brain signals associated with split-second
visual judgments." said Bob Smith, Vice President, Advanced
Technology, Honeywell Aerospace. "As a result, we are going
to give analysts the ability to identify dangerous threats to
our troops more quickly, precisely and effectively than ever
before." Honeywell's triage analysis methods will be used
allowing analysts to rapidly evaluate images from satellites,
ground cameras and surveillance aircraft. It will ultimately
apply to a diverse range of imagery, including high resolution
electro-optical, infrared and video imagery. It could eventually
be used in a broad range of military and commercial applications
including medical diagnosis and geospatial analysis.
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