Search

The system seamlessly integrates into real-life environments, including homes, cars, or cockpits for pilots. This enables users to train within their daily routines as they move through various work and leisure settings. The technology provides continuous physiological feedback, motivating users to regulate their cognitive and emotional states, with rewards being reflected in the environment. For instance, a driver or pilot can monitor alertness and see changes in their dashboard once a desired state is reached. The system comprises three key components: Talisman: Biofeedback sensors worn on the user's body. Artifacts: Receivers placed in the environment to receive biofeedback signals from the talisman. Software elements that facilitate changes in the operation and appearance of the environment. A pattern comparator stores physiological pattern templates and calculates the proximity of the user's current physiological activity to desirable or undesirable patterns. The reward calculator uses this data to determine when and what rewards are introduced or removed from the user's experience, both qualitatively and quantitatively. As of now, the system has a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 3, indicating it is a concept with proof-of-concept analysis.

In the development of this technology for the ISS, engineers had to pay careful attention to electrical draw efficiency, ease-of-use, mass reduction, production cost, and safety, as conducting scientific research under spacecraft stressors is an important requirement. To create a controlled environment within the science enclosure, engineers designed a ventilation system incorporating an external fan/blower that pulls air across a HEPA filter and diffuses it in a manner that creates an even laminar flow within the enclosure before exiting through the exhaust filter. The glove seal forms an airtight and liquid impervious seal. This novel design also allows the user flexibility to choose their own task-specific glove material, facilitates easy tool-free assembly and quick glove changes, and may be transferable to other types of enclosures. Another key feature is that a through-port can be quickly fitted to an empty glove port. Due to the science enclosure system intended application aboard the ISS, its electrical draw does not exceed 24V, thereby making it feasible to power it from a battery for terrestrial field use or other applications where accessing power is a challenge. The combination of its performance, portability, BSL 2 capability, and inexpensive production costs could position the science enclosure system and accompanying innovations to be valuable in the fields of education, research, clean rooms, hospitals, and disaster relief efforts.