Augmenting Cognition

The Human brain is only 100,000 years old. Yet, this newly evolved organ endows us with unique creative capabilities beyond all other living creatures, including the gift to understand itself. As our very survival and success in life depends on utilizing our brain’s power, intense efforts have begun worldwide to understand the brain, reverse-engineer it and even augment its capacity. Towards this end we harness every trick in the book of mathematics, physics, chemistry, pharmacology, biology, psychology, as well as computer science, information sciences, and engineering – giving rise to the birth to the new AugCog Era. The new AugCog research field focuses on the development of scientifically-based rigorous approaches, including brain-computer interfaces and the use of various drugs, for restoring and augmenting cognition. The field includes the study of the relationship between basic operational states of the brain, such as sleep, or daily activities such as dance and their impact on augmenting cognitive capabilities. This book confronts our entry into the AugCog Era through a series of contributions from the world’s best know experts. The book is divided into two sections, the first of which discusses state-of-the-art methodologies; and the last provide some perspective on the social and ethical issues. These two parts are separated by an interlude in cognition, where a fascinating story of the savant syndrome is told.

This book constitutes the proceedings of the 9th International Conference on the Foundations of Augmented Cognition, AC 2015, held as part of the 17th International Conference on Human-Computer Interaction, HCII 2015, which took place in Los Angeles, CA, USA, in August 2015. HCII 2015 received a total of 4843 submissions, of which 1462 papers and 246 posters were accepted for publication after a careful reviewing process. These papers address the latest research and development efforts and highlight the human aspects of design and use of computing systems. The papers thoroughly cover the entire field of Human-Computer Interaction, addressing major advances in knowledge and effective use of computers in a variety of application areas. The 78 papers presented in the AC 2015 proceedings address the following major topics: cognitive performance and work load, BCI and operational neuroscience, cognition, perception and emotion measurement, adaptive and tutoring training, applications of augmented cognition.

This book constitutes the refereed proceedings of the 13th International Conference on Augmented Cognition, AC 2019, held as part of the 21st International Conference on Human-Computer Interaction, HCII 2019, in Orlando, FL, USA in July, 2019. The 1274 full papers and 209 posters presented at the HCII 2019 conferences were carefully reviewed and selected from 5029 submissions. The papers cover the entire field of human-computer interaction, addressing major advances in knowledge and effective use of computers in a variety of applications areas. The papers in this volume are organized in the following topical sections: cognitive modeling, perception, emotion and interaction; human cognition and behavior in complex tasks and environments; brain-computer interfaces and electroencephalography; and augmented learning.

This volume constitutes the proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Augmented Cognition, AC 2017, held as part of the International Conference on Human-Computer Interaction, HCII 2017, which took place in Vancouver, BC, Canada, in July 2017. HCII 2017 received a total of 4340 submissions, of which 1228 papers were accepted for publication after a careful reviewing process. The papers thoroughly cover the entire field of Human-Computer Interaction, addressing major advances in knowledge and effective use of computers in a variety of application areas. The two volumes set of AC 2017 presents 81 papers which are organized in the following topical sections: electroencephalography and brain activity measurement, eye tracking in augmented cognition, physiological measuring and bio-sensing, machine learning in augmented cognition, cognitive load and performance, adaptive learning systems, brain-computer interfaces, human cognition and behavior in complex tasks and environments.

This book constitutes the refereed proceedings of the 6th International Conference on Augmented Cognition, FAC 2011, held in Orlando, FL, USA in July 2011, within the framework of the 14th International Conference on Human-Computer Interaction, HCII 2011, with 11 other thematically similar conferences. The 75 full papers presented were carefully reviewed and selected from numerous submissions. The papers are organized in topical parts on theories, models, and technologies for augmented cognition; neuroscience and brain monitoring; augmented cognition, social computing, and collaboration; augmented cognition for learning; augmented cognition and interaction; and augmented cognition in complex environments.

The 13th International Conference on Human–Computer Interaction, HCI Inter- tional 2009, was held in San Diego, California, USA, July 19–24, 2009, jointly with the Symposium on Human Interface (Japan) 2009, the 8th International Conference on Engineering Psychology and Cognitive Ergonomics, the 5th International Conference on Universal Access in Human–Computer Interaction, the Third International Conf- ence on Virtual and Mixed Reality, the Third International Conference on Internati- alization, Design and Global Development, the Third International Conference on Online Communities and Social Computing, the 5th International Conference on Augmented Cognition, the Second International Conference on Digital Human Mod- ing, and the First International Conference on Human Centered Design. A total of 4,348 individuals from academia, research institutes, industry and gove- mental agencies from 73 countries submitted contributions, and 1,397 papers that were judged to be of high scientific quality were included in the program. These papers - dress the latest research and development efforts and highlight the human aspects of the design and use of computing systems. The papers accepted for presentation thoroughly cover the entire field of human–computer interaction, addressing major advances in knowledge and effective use of computers in a variety of application areas.

Tools and technologies have long complemented and extended our physical abilities: from pre-historic spearheads to steam-propelled ploughs and high-tech prosthetics. While the development of lenses granted us insights into the micro and macrocosms, new sensors and technologies increasingly augment our cognitive abilities, including memory and perception. This book integrates current research efforts, results, and visions from the fields of computer science, neuroscience, and psychology. It provides a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art and future applications of how technologies assist and augment human perception and cognition. Experts in the field share their research and findings on: Working memory enhancements Digitization of memories through lifelog archives The consequences of technology-induced disruptions and forgetting The creation and utilization of new human senses Ethical and security concerns that arise with augmentation technologies. As technology weaves itself ever deeper into our lives, careful examination of its capabilities, risks and benefits is warranted. While this book focuses on the complementation and augmentation of human capabilities, it serves as a foundation for students, researchers and designers of technologies that push the boundaries of perception and cognition.

This book constitutes the proceedings of the 8th International Conference on the Foundations of Augmented Cognition, AC 2014, held as part of HCI International 2014 which took place in Heraklion, Crete, Greece, in June 2014 and incorporated 14 conferences which similar thematic areas. HCII 2014 received a total of 4766 submissions, of which 1476 papers and 220 posters were accepted for publication after a careful reviewing process. These papers address the latest research and development efforts and highlight the human aspects of design and use of computing systems. The papers thoroughly cover the entire field of Human-Computer Interaction, addressing major advances in knowledge and effective use of computers in a variety of application areas. The 34 papers presented in the AC 2014 proceedings are organized in topical sections named: emotional and cognitive issues in augmented cognition; machine learning for augmented cognition; augmented cognition for learning and training and augmented cognition for health and rehabilitation.