Brain/computer communication to reduce human error: a perspective

Recent developments in physiology and neurophysiology, biomedical monitoring, and micro-processors has made it possible to give the pilot improved electronic support and to increase flight safety. Direct brain/computer communication is a new way to combat human error. Monitoring ECG will give information on the operator's physical and mental load/overload situation as well as on impending cardiac failure. Information presented to the operator will elicit different biological patterns whether the operator is alert and takes the information into his stream of thoughts or not. Together with the reaction time, this wil give needed information about the operators alertness and responsiveness. In the future, with this approach, the computer may know on-line to what extent the operator perceives all the information given, as well as the operator's physical and mental load/overload situation and health. Brain/computer communication should be developed to support key-operating personnel and to reduce human error.