Neurotechnology Device Adjustment via Ecological Performance Assessment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods are inadequate for assessing human performance capacity and the impact of neurotechnology devices, as they fail to integrate biological, assistive-technology, and performance-based data sets in real-time, particularly for goal-directed activities, and do not provide objective measurements of cognitive workload, emotional state, or usage of compensatory strategies.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that utilize physical assessment sensors to collect data on performance and cognitive workload during ecologically-valid work samples, generating composite scores and profiles to adjust neurotechnology devices, integrating psychophysiological biomarkers, assistive-technology dependence, and compensatory behaviors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional paper-and-pencil neuropsychological tests or neurophysiological measures are used to assess neurocognitive functioning, then diagnostic information can be obtained, but the ability to determine actual human performance capacity for goal-directed real-world activities cannot be established

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveneurocognitive functioning measurementVSAvoidhuman performance capacity determination

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary system that bridges neurocognitive measures and real-world performance by using ecological momentary assessment (EMA) protocols. This intermediary collects data from multiple sources including mobile devices, wearables, and electronic health records to create a comprehensive picture of functional capacity that mediates between clinical assessments and actual performance outcomes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical/paper-based neuropsychological testing systems with an integrated digital ecosystem. This substitution uses mobile computing, sensor networks, and automated data processing to capture ecological validity metrics that mechanical testing cannot provide, thereby establishing reliable links between neurocognitive status and real-world functioning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If existing performance-based assessments of functional behavior are used, then determination of ability to perform goal-directed activities is provided, but objective measurement of biological and neurological conditions related to motivation, emotional state, fatigue, and cognitive workload is not provided

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional behavior assessmentVSAvoidbiological and neurological condition measurement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges previously separate assessment domains (performance-based functional assessments and biological/neurological measurements) into a unified evaluation system. By combining data from performance tasks with concurrent physiological monitoring via wearables and mobile devices, the system achieves simultaneous measurement of both behavioral output and underlying biological states

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a multi-functional assessment platform that serves multiple purposes: evaluating functional behavior, monitoring physiological states, tracking emotional responses, and measuring cognitive workload. This universal system uses a common infrastructure of mobile devices and sensors to perform diverse assessment functions that were previously required separate specialized tools

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If simple comparison of one person's profile as compared to a plurality of subjects is used, then relative standing can be determined, but comprehensive assessment of human performance capacity and efficiency of performance cannot be assessed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverelative standing determinationVSAvoidperformance efficiency assessment

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adds new dimensions to performance assessment by incorporating temporal dynamics and ecological context. Instead of static cross-sectional comparisons, the system captures longitudinal data across multiple time points and settings, adding dimensions of time, environment, and task variability that enable comprehensive efficiency assessment beyond simple relative standing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS10925533B2Systems and methods for determining human performance capacity and utility of a person-utilized device

Publication Date: 2021.02.23 BRUNO JEFF SCOTT

AI summary

A system and method of determining human performance capacity, and of determining the utility of a given biomedical intervention and/or neurotechnology device to characterize, to predict, and to influence human performance capacity, via analysis and interpretation of psychophysiological biomarkers of cognitive workload and functioning, assistive-technology/external support dependence, and compensatory behavior during performance of ecologically-valid standardized work samples.