Reading #27: Sensing cognitive multitasking for a brain-based adaptive user interface

References:
Sensing cognitive multitasking for a brain-based adaptive user interface by Erin Treacy Solov, Francine Lalooses, Krysta Chauncey, Douglas Weaver, Margarita Parasi, Matthias Scheutz, Angelo Sassaroli, Sergio Fantini, Paul Schermerhorn, Audrey Girouard, Robert J.K. Jacob 


Author Bios:
Erin Reacy Solovey, Francine Lalooses, Krysta Chauncey, Douglas Weaver, Margarita Parasi, Matthias Scheutz and Rober J.K. Jacob all attend Tufts University.
Angelo Sassaroli is studying Biomedical engineering at Tufts University
Sergio Fantini is studying Biomedical Engineering at Tufts University.
Paul Schermerhorn is studying Computer Science at Indiana University.
Audrey Girouard studs at Queen's University and their School of Computing.


Summary:
Hypothesis:
That it is possible to detect and adapt to changes in multitasking by a user.


Methods:
The researches classified three different types of multitasking, branching, dual-task, and delay. This is basically the same kinds of categories that were used in previous multitasking papers. They set a task that the subjects were required to accomplish with the help of a robot. It would run several different kinds of tests, each designed to test different forms of multitasking. 


Results:
A lot of interesting data regarding levels of hemoglobin in the brain was collected. Ultimately they determined that different types of multitasking can in face be detected, which means that they can also be adapted to.


Contents:
This paper described the different ways that a human can attempt to mitigate multiple tasks to themselves. Several participants were given a task to perform with a robot and observed. The hemoglobin levels in their brain were recorded at given points and the results were analyzed.


Discussion:
A really neat paper with some cool applications. This type of thing could really revolutionize the ways that we write programs. Being able to adapt to different situations and tailor a program directly to those needs i think really could do wonders for efficiency.