99 -- Realistic Human Cognition Modeling and Simulation - Technology Transfer Opportunity

Sandia National Laboratories (Albuquerque, New Mexico) has developed technology to allow realistic simulation of human cognitive processes. This technology consists of a computational model of the mechanisms whereby humans apply their knowledge and experience to interpret data, situations and events. Using associated methods for knowledge elicitation, models may be customized to reflect a specific individual with expertise in a given domain, or with expertise using a particular product, technology, etc. This technology is unique in that it emphasizes pattern recognition as an essential element of cognition, as opposed to common rule-based approaches. This provides flexibility and an ability to respond to ambiguity that is not generally available with cognitive and behavioral models. By varying knowledge contents, models may be created that correspond to different experts, and different tasks, activities and disciplines. Similarly, models may be developed that capture the beliefs, perspectives and thought patterns of individuals from different cultures, interests groups, etc. Additionally, there is a thorough integration of cognitive and emotional processes enabling models to exhibit appropriate sensitivities and motivations. The framework for the cognitive model simulates basic dynamics of an oscillating system in a manner consistent with findings from research concerning the underlying neurophysiology of human cognition. This framework provides a number of parameters that may be adjusted to account for various organic factors that affect cognition (e.g. arousal, fatigue, stress, etc.) Models may be equipped with episodic memory enabling them to record a continuous record of their experiences that may aide in the interpretation of ambiguous situations. Another unique feature is a Comparator that serves as an anomaly detector that senses and responds to out-of-context cues or events. In validation studies, synthetic entities created using this technology have been shown to interpret situations in a manner consistent with the actual individuals on whom models were based with an accuracy of approximately 90%. This technology may be used to create human-like, computer-based entities for applications that include analytic modeling and simulation, decision aides, interactive system(s), training, gaming, entertainment, as well as others, and may be readily integrated with avatar, speech synthesis and related technologies. Sandia is making this Human Cognition Modeling and Simulation technology available to companies interested in partnering with Sandia to develop near-term and/or future applications. For further information, please respond by mail, email or fax to Alane Dulski by April 12, 2003 at: Sandia National Laboratories, MS 0115, P. O. Box 5800, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87185-0115. Email: contact@example.gov. Fax: +1 (555) 000-0000. Please indicate the date and title of this CBD notice and the type of partnering agreements your company would be most interested in entering into.