Contribution of biosensors to enhancing performance for users with special needs

Abstract

This paper describes two lines of research addressing the use of biosensors for populations with disabilities. The first line of research focused on deriving changing cognitive state information from the patterns of data acquired from users with the goal of improving presentation of multimedia computer information. Detecting individual differences via performance and psychometric tools can be supplemented by using real-time physiological sensors such as eye tracking and pressure applied to a computer mouse. We describe a computer task that demonstrates how to identify cognitive state and discuss types of physiological and cognitive state measures and associated advantages and disadvantages. Adaptive information filtering is discussed as a model for using the physiological information to improve individual performance. In the second line of research we interviewed participants with disabilities in an engineering vocational training program about their needs and suggestions for assistive devices that incorporate biosensors. © 2014 Springer International Publishing Switzerland.