Interactive Neuro-Educational Technologies (I-NET): Enhanced training of threat detection for airport luggage screeners

Abstract

Interactive Neuro-Educational Technologies (I-NET) are designed to increase the pace and efficiency of skill learning by adapting training environments to the skill levels and needs of the individuals. Advanced Brain Monitoring (ABM) explored the feasibility of integrating physiological measures into an interactive adaptive computer-based training system to facilitate mitigations, accelerate skill acquisition and provide quantitative evidence of successful training in tasks relating to airport luggage screening and threat detection. A small pilot study was conducted (N=23) to assess electroencephalographic measures of learning and performance during a threat identification task using X-Ray images designed to be representative of those typically viewed by baggage screeners. Linear regression analysis of trends in EEG Alpha (8–12 Hz) and Theta (3–7 Hz) from stimulus presentation to response for each image revealed effects for Threat Type, Task Order, Stimulus Difficulty and Response Type. Correlation between EEG engagement and workload levels with performance and heart rate and heart rate variability measures in relation to performance were explored. In addition, fixation locked event related potentials (FLERPS) in relation to user responses were investigated by interfacing a commercial eye tracker to the experimental setup.