Existing work to date on the motivational framework will be reviewed and analyzed for existing “levers” for neurotech control. Neurocognitive/psychological theories will be examined to collect a list of potential functions that can be brain-controlled.

A list of potential functions/features of the existing motivational framework (work already undertaken by the main proposer) that can be brain-controlled with a brief explanation of why each function may be relevant. Additional motivational functions/features not yet explored may be listed if relevant.

$5,000 USD

Motivational features have been narrowed down and identified for further work.

For the features of the motivational framework that may be brain-controlled there will be a review of relevant neuroscience literature to identify brain signals that could map to the motivational framework and/or brain signals/features that could lead to the creation of novel motivational levers. The brain signals will ideally map to the above proposed potential BCI use cases. These use cases will be prioritized in order to promote possible product-oriented functionality; that said discoveries made along the way during the course of the project may yield novel insights and depending on viability and success with each use case the project will emphasize the functionalities that are optimally workable. In this phase a relevant neurotech/BCI device may be acquired/purchased ideally a consumer-grade one in order to conduct experiments.

1. Conceptual outline and schema demonstrating the functional linkages between the selected brain signals/features and the motivational framework features. 2. If needed acquisition of viable neurotech/BCI device(s) for data collection.

$7,000 USD

Relevant brain features have been made explicit for further work.

Based on the discoveries and outcomes of previous milestones BCI functionality will begin to be coded to modulate the relevant motivational features. This is indicative of initial progress that would be towards a prototype functionality (in the subsequent milestone). The modulatable motivational features are middle-layer “levers” between the brain and Hyperon. Functionalities may be covered that are outside the bounds of the previously found motivational and brain features if new ones have been identified since the previous milestones.

1. Evidence of coding/programming progress on connecting the neurotech device to motivational features in order to modulate them. 2. Optional: Viable use cases selected (target=2 use cases) with evidence of additional (at least preliminary) coding demonstrating application toward use cases. Optional due to the dependency on progress of Deliverable #1.

$4,000 USD

Coding has commenced and is underway to program relevant functionality of a BCI.

This stage will encompass the finalization of backend code that allows selected brain signals to modulate motivational framework features. This will constitute functionality that allows someone (either a researcher or an end user) to use a specified BCI system(s) to control one or more motivational functions e.g. valence arousal a form of attention focus relaxation meditative state(s) etc.

1. Backend code that directly links BCI signal(s)/feature(s) to motivational feature(s) allowing for modulation of the latter by the former. This will allow use of representative neurotech signals e.g. EEG to modulate parameters in a motivational system. 2. Optional: Depending on the selected use case(s) coding that allows the BCI signals to be used as input into more fleshed out applications for instance a UI for controlling the expressions or personas of LLM-based characters. Optional because dependent on how distinct this is from Deliverable #1; depending on the use case these may overlap substantially and thus be part and parcel of the same application. 3. Optional: Front-end basic interface for BCI control of motivational features. As previously stated the purpose of this stage of the project is to create the essential functionality that allows BCI to control select motivational features and possibly other functions. If there is available time and capacity a basic front-end may be built to allow a user to view the underlying functionality and/or interact with the system in at least a rudimentary manner.

$4,000 USD

Backend functionality that allows selected brain signals/features to modulate features/elements of a motivational framework, e.g. valence, arousal, etc.