"In space, no one can hear you scream. Use a cell phone on a crowded commuter train and everyone can.
Charles Jorgensen is working to solve both problems, using an uncanny technology called subvocal speech recognition......"..more background there
Ames Extension of the Human Senses website:
"Benefit
The overarching goal of this project is to increase safety, efficiency, and reliability of human-machine systems by applying advanced sensing, human modeling, and adaptive automation technologies. We aim to develop multimodal interfaces, which allow humans to interact with automated systems in a natural manner more closely approximating human communication, and to provide automated systems with greater insights into user intentions. Because the technology will not require traditional keyboard or joystick-like controls, it will also provide redundant channels for control during emergencies. Another benefit of the sensing technology will be the provision of a neurobehavioral data stream for automated crew health monitoring."...more neat stuff there
Sub-auditory speech recognition (.doc)