Monitoring system with an assigned measuring unit

Abstract

A monitoring system (100) with a measuring unit (81) is described. The monitoring system (100) serves to monitor an aircraft pilot (99) in an aircraft with regard to the gaseous components in the breathing gas supply and to the proportions of gases in the pilot's (99) blood circulation.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a monitoring system for monitoring an aircraft pilot in an aircraft. The monitoring system serves to monitor the breathing gas supply of an aircraft pilot in an aircraft. Aircraft or aircraft are understood to be airplanes or helicopters of civil or military aviation, such as passenger aircraft in scheduled or charter service, as well as ultra-fast aircraft approaching or exceeding the range of supersonic speed. In particular, flights with jet aircraft at supersonic speeds and / or at altitudes above 15,000 meters above sea level place high demands on the flight fitness of the flight personnel. For the purposes of the present invention, the term "aircraft pilot" includes pilots, co-pilots, flight engineers, cabin engineers, and other flight personnel.Flight fitness, including physical and mental fitness, attention, concentration, and alertness, must be guaranteed at all times, especially at high altitudes, during rapid flight maneuvers, or in flight attitudes such as turns, dives, and inverted flight at high speeds and accelerations. In addition to the pilot's personal and health-related characteristics and reliable aircraft equipment, a secure supply of clean and safe breathing air is essential for safe flight operations.

[0002] Paramagnetic methods are frequently used to determine oxygen concentration in gases. A basic principle for measuring oxygen in a measuring chamber using changes in heat conduction associated with paramagnetism is described in US 6430987B1. US 8,399,839 B2 discloses an infrared-optical carbon dioxide sensor, a so-called IR carbon dioxide sensor.

[0003] In addition to information on whether and in what quantities oxygen is supplied to the pilot in a breathing gas mixture, it is important to know whether and how much of the supplied oxygen enters the pilot's bloodstream. Furthermore, it is important to determine whether, besides oxygen, significant amounts of undesirable gases are also present in the pilot's bloodstream.

[0004] In aircraft applications, any sensor technology whose functionality can be significantly impaired by vibrations, accelerations, or pressure changes is not preferred. Similarly, radio-based sensor solutions are not always ideal for aircraft use, as ensuring that the emitted radio waves from the sensors have no negative impact on the aircraft's onboard electronics is often a complex and costly undertaking.

[0005] US Patent 10,561,863 B1 describes a measuring system capable of measuring blood oxygen saturation (SpO2). Such a measurement can be achieved, for example, by means of a sensor placed on a finger, foot, or ear.

[0006] An optical sensor is used to determine the oxygen saturation (SpO2) in the blood.

[0007] A monitoring system for monitoring pilots is known from US patent 2021 040 5008 A1. The monitoring system is preferably designed as part of the pilot's equipment as a self-contained and mobile, body-worn unit with its own independent power supply.

[0008] US patent 10 786 693 B1 discloses a body-worn system for biometric monitoring of physiological measurements for respiratory mask devices.

[0009] Metabolic, lung and heart function as well as oxygen saturation can be recorded.

[0010] A physiological profile can be determined through non-invasive monitoring. Furthermore, the system is capable of detecting physiological changes, predicting the onset of symptoms, and alerting the wearer, another person, or a system. In some embodiments, the device includes a wearable sensor unit. In preferred embodiments, the system includes a sensor system for detecting physiological changes to identify respiratory or other health conditions. The detected physiological profile is used to generate alarms.

[0011] Based on the state of the art, the task is to enable verification of whether the oxygen supplied to the pilot via the breathing gas enters the pilot's bloodstream.

[0012] This problem is solved by a monitoring system with an associated measuring unit for oxygen saturation measurement having the features of claim 1.

[0013] Further features and details of the invention can be found in the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

[0014] A monitoring system according to the invention is designed to monitor the composition of a breathing gas mixture of a breathing gas supply of an aircraft pilot in aircraft or flying machines and comprises a sensor system, a module for gas transport, a module for gas quantity control and a control and evaluation unit.

[0015] Aspects of the invention are shown in embodiments of a monitoring system which includes at least one sensor, a module for gas transport, a control and evaluation unit and a measuring unit.

[0016] The sensor system includes at least one gas sensor. This gas sensor is designed to determine the proportion of oxygen (O2). The gas sensor may also be designed to determine the proportion of moisture or water vapor (H2O), nitrogen (N2), carbon dioxide (CO2), or carbon monoxide (CO) in the breathing gas mixture. Furthermore, the sensor system may include a humidity sensor for determining the moisture content of the breathing gas mixture. This humidity sensor, in combination with the control and evaluation unit, is designed to determine a value indicating the presence of moisture or water in the breathing gas mixture.

[0017] The sensor system can also include a pressure sensor for determining the pressure level in the breathing gas mixture. This sensor, in combination with the control and evaluation unit, is designed to determine a value indicating the pressure level of the breathing gas mixture. The sensor system can further include a temperature sensor for determining the temperature of the breathing gas mixture. This sensor, in combination with the control and evaluation unit, is designed to determine a value indicating the temperature of the breathing gas mixture. The control and evaluation unit is designed to monitor, control, and regulate the breathing gas supply. The control and evaluation unit is further designed to monitor the gas transport module and the gas flow control module.The gas transport module is designed to supply defined quantities of breathing gas mixture from a measuring point to the monitoring system and to the sensors by means of a measuring gas line.

[0018] The monitoring system includes a measuring unit. This unit, in combination with an optical sensor positioned on the pilot's finger, wrist, or ear, is designed to measure blood components, particularly blood gas components. The measuring unit includes components for operating the optical sensor, such as a control circuit for activating red and infrared radiation sources, like LEDs, to emit light with wavelengths of 660 nm and 920-940 nm. In addition to the LED radiation sources, the optical sensor includes light detection components such as photodiodes, phototransistors, or photoresistors to receive the red and infrared radiation.

[0019] The measuring unit includes components for signal amplification, signal conditioning, signal filtering, and signal conversion. The optical sensor is designed to illuminate or scan blood vessels, for example, in the ear or earlobe, by emitting light of different wavelengths in the wavelength range of approximately 500 nm to 1000 nm (red to infrared). The detection of the light, which is influenced by specific absorption in the blood vessels, can be achieved using either a transmitted light or a reflective arrangement. The specific absorption of light of different wavelengths in the blood vessels enables the analysis of blood gas components in the circulatory system of the aircraft pilot.

[0020] The measuring unit, in conjunction with the optical sensor, is thus designed to determine the proportion of saturation of at least one blood-soluble gas in the bloodstream of the aircraft pilot.

[0021] The following explanations regarding the determination of blood oxygen saturation are based on a measurement method using two typical wavelengths: 660 nm and 920-940 nm. Using these two wavelengths, blood oxygen saturation can be determined according to Formula 1. Devices capable of performing blood gas analysis with two wavelengths are also known as pulse oximeters. SpO2=HbO2HbO2+Hb with: - HbO2 for the concentration of oxygenated hemoglobin (oxyhemoglobin), - Hb for deoxygenated hemoglobin (deoxyhemoglobin).

[0022] The measurement principle, which involves evaluating two wavelengths, works on the basis of the following physical conditions and relationships: • At 660 nm, the signal absorption (extinction coefficient) for hemoglobin molecules without bound oxygen (deoxyhemoglobin, reduced hemoglobin) is 10 times greater than for hemoglobin molecules with bound oxygen (oxyhemoglobin). • At 940 nm, the signal absorption (extinction coefficient) for hemoglobin molecules without bound oxygen (deoxyhemoglobin, reduced hemoglobin) is 3 times lower than for hemoglobin molecules with bound oxygen (oxyhemoglobin).

[0023] Using light of four different wavelengths, the oxygen saturation in the blood can be determined based on formula 2, even in the presence of other components in the blood. Measuring devices capable of performing blood gas analysis with four wavelengths are also known as CO-oximeters. SpO2=HbO2HbO2+Hb+COHb+MetHb with: - CO-Hb for the proportion of hemoglobin in the blood coated with carbon monoxide (CO). - Met-Hb for methemoglobin.

[0024] Met-HB and CO-Hb are also referred to as Dys-HB (dysfunctional hemoglobin), i.e., a hemoglobin derivative that is unable to reversibly combine with oxygen and therefore cannot provide oxygen transport from the lungs to the cells.

[0025] In carboxyhemoglobin (CO-Hb), carbon monoxide (CO) is covalently bound to the hemoglobin molecule. In carbaminohemoglobin (CO2-Hb), carbon monoxide (CO2) is bound to the hemoglobin molecule. In methemoglobin (Met-Hb), the iron (Fe) is... 2+ to Fe 3+Oxidized. The readings of CO-oximeters and pulse oximeters can differ significantly if significant amounts of carbon monoxide (CO) are present in the blood. In such a case, a pulse oximeter will indicate an excessively high oxygen saturation. This elevated SpO2 reading can be caused by the presence of dyshemoglobin in the blood, which cannot be distinguished from oxyhemoglobin using the two wavelengths of a pulse oximeter. To determine whether dyshemoglobin, in the form of carboxyhemoglobin (CO-Hb) or methemoglobin (Met-Hb), is present in the pilot's blood, a measurement using four wavelengths with a CO-oximeter is necessary.

[0026] EP 2 813 180 B1 presents solutions for differentiating between different types of hemoglobin using a measurement technique with four different wavelengths.

[0027] For monitoring the blood composition and determining blood gases in the blood of pilots on duty, it is crucial that the measured oxygen saturation is not distorted by dyshemoglobin. Furthermore, it is of great interest for monitoring the blood composition and determining blood gases in pilots on duty to know whether, and if so, which components are present in the blood. This applies particularly to carboxyhemoglobin (CO-Hb) in the blood.

[0028] The presence of carboxyhemoglobin (CO-Hb) indicates carbon monoxide inhalation by the pilot. Elevated CO-Hb concentrations can therefore point to carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be caused in particular by inhaling carbon monoxide contained in exhaust fumes or smoke. Exposure to CO increases the concentration of CO-Hb in the blood. Inhaled carbon monoxide has an affinity for hemoglobin approximately 300 times higher than that of oxygen. Therefore, a CO concentration of just 0.1% in the inhaled air is sufficient to bind about 50% of the total hemoglobin with CO.

[0029] The normal range for carboxyhemoglobin (SpCO) is 0.4% to <1.6%.

[0030] Effects and symptoms of elevated levels of carboxyhemoglobin in the blood include: • CO-HB < 5%: Headache • CO-HB between 6% and 20%: Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing • CO-HB between 21% and 30%: Nausea, dizziness, fatigue • CO-HB between 31% and 40%: Nausea, dizziness, confusion • CO-HB between 41% and 50%: Effects on heart function (syncope, tachycardia) • CO-HB between 51% and 60%: Cramps, shock, apnea, coma • CO-HB > 65%: Danger of death

[0031] Inhalation of exhaust gases or smoke by the aircraft pilot can occur during flight operations, for example, in the event of a malfunction in the aircraft's gas supply system, whereby the outside air drawn in for breathing gas supply may contain certain amounts of smoke gases or exhaust gases, for example caused by aircraft flying ahead.

[0032] Elevated concentrations of methemoglobin (Met-HB) can lead to methemoglobinemia, characterized by elevated methemoglobin levels in the blood and oxygen deprivation in tissues, organs, and the brain. Methemoglobinemia can be caused, for example, by inhaling gases or vapors of aniline or nitrobenzene, such as those emitted from paints, varnishes, or solvents.

[0033] The normal range for methemoglobin (Met-HB) is 1% to <2% of total hemoglobin. Effects and symptoms of elevated methemoglobin levels in the blood include: • Met-HB < 15% : no complaints • Met-HB between 15% and 20% : Headache, dizziness • Met-HB between 20% and 40% : Nausea, cyanosis • Met-HB > 45% : Seizures, confusion • Met-HB > 70% : Danger of death

[0034] Inhalation of solvent vapors by the aircraft pilot can occur during flight operations, for example, due to malfunctions in or on the piping system of the aircraft's gas supply system, in which case quantities of solvents, operating fluids, auxiliary materials or lubricants may enter the air used for breathing gas supply.

[0035] The embodiments show the possible positions for the optical sensor on the pilot's body. Possible positions for the optical sensor include the ear (e.g., the earlobe), the finger, the wrist, and, in principle, the foot or ankle. Using a position on the ear or earlobe is preferred, particularly if the monitoring unit is located in a vest worn on the pilot's body or the measuring unit is positioned on the pilot's breathing mask, helmet, or headphones, as this minimizes the distances between the optical sensor and the measuring unit, as well as between the monitoring unit and the measuring unit. Therefore, the ear sensor should be positioned in or as close as possible to the pilot's face mask, communication device (headphones), or helmet.

[0036] In an optional configuration, ear sensors can be arranged on both of the pilot's ears. This allows, for example, a simple measurement based on two wavelengths to determine %SpO2 to be performed on one ear, while a sensor with more than four, preferably at least seven, wavelengths determines %SPCO and %SPMet on the other ear. In this way, the aforementioned differences between pulse oximetrically measured functional saturation and fractional saturation measured by a CO-oximeter can be identified, providing a direct indication of dyshemoglobinemia if a difference is present. Furthermore, using sensors on both ears reduces temporary artifacts that occur with only one ear sensor when averaged over time. This advantage also applies when using a separate CO-oximeter on each ear.

[0037] The optical sensor can be attached to the wrist, for example, in the form of a watch or heart rate monitor. The watch or heart rate monitor can incorporate both the optical sensor and the measuring unit. The watch or heart rate monitor can thus function as a pulse oximeter or a CO-oximeter and can also be used to output measured values, information, or alarms from the pulse oximeter or CO-oximeter to the pilot in the form of audible, visual, or vibration alarms. In preferred embodiments, the measuring unit, in conjunction with the optical sensor, can function as a pulse oximeter or a CO-oximeter.

[0038] The operating principle of the pulse oximeter is as described previously based on Formula 1, as a measurement technique using two different wavelengths. The operating principle of the CO-oximeter is as described previously based on Formula 2, as a measurement technique using four different wavelengths.

[0039] Pulse oximetry can be used to measure, determine and / or monitor the proportion of oxygen saturation (O2) in the bloodstream of the aircraft pilot.

[0040] CO-oximetry allows for the measurement, determination, and / or monitoring of the proportions of different types of hemoglobin (HB) in the pilot's bloodstream. These include, for example, and in particular, O2-HB (oxyhemoglobin), dys-HB such as Met-HB (methemoglobin), CO-HB (carboxyhemoglobin), and S-HB (sulfhemoglobin).

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the measuring unit, in conjunction with the optical sensor, is designed to determine a proportion of oxygen saturation (SPO2) and / or a proportion of at least one other blood-soluble gas, in particular a saturation (SPCO) of carbon monoxide or a saturation (SPCO2) of carbon dioxide in the bloodstream of the aircraft pilot.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, the measuring unit, in conjunction with the optical sensor, can be configured to analyze the proportion of at least one type of hemoglobin in the bloodstream in order to determine the proportion of saturation in the pilot's bloodstream.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one gas sensor can be configured to determine the proportion of carbon dioxide (CO2) and / or carbon monoxide (CO) in the breathing gas mixture.

[0044] In preferred embodiments, proportions of different types of hemoglobin in the pilot's bloodstream can be determined and / or monitored in conjunction with information on the pilot's cardiovascular system.

[0045] The measuring unit can be used in conjunction with the optical sensor. • to determine a heart rate • and / or to determine heart rate variability • and / or be trained to determine blood flow in the blood vessels of the aircraft pilot.

[0046] Heart rate provides an indication of the pilot's physical exertion. Therefore, the control and evaluation unit can incorporate heart rate into its assessment of the pilot's condition. Heart rate variability provides an indication of the pilot's psychological exertion. Therefore, the control and evaluation unit can also incorporate heart rate variability into its assessment of the pilot's condition. In addition to oxygen saturation, the control and evaluation unit can analyze current blood flow as an indicator of cardiovascular shock.

[0047] In preferred embodiments, the control and evaluation unit can be configured as a plurality of control modules. A control module can be configured as a component of the monitoring system. A control module can also be configured as a component of the measuring unit. In such preferred embodiments, the measuring unit can be configured as a control module with an electronic unit arranged in or on the monitoring system, or associated with the monitoring system. The electronic unit can be arranged on the pilot's equipment, such as a mask, helmet, or headphones, with an advantageously short cable connection to the optical sensor at the pilot's ear. The measuring unit and / or the electronic unit can be connected to the monitoring system—preferably arranged in a vest worn by the pilot—by means of a further short cable connection.Alternatively, the measuring unit and / or the electronic unit can be connected to the pilot's monitoring system via a wireless connection, such as Bluetooth.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, components of the monitoring system and the measuring unit can be interconnected via at least one interface, and the control and evaluation unit and / or the control modules can be configured via these interfaces to coordinate the operation of the measuring unit and the monitoring system. For this purpose, at least one interface can be arranged in or on the monitoring system and / or the measuring unit. The interface is preferably configured as a power and / or data interface. The control and evaluation unit can be configured via these interfaces to coordinate the operation of the measuring unit and the monitoring system. In this preferred embodiment, components of the monitoring system and the measuring unit can be interconnected via interfaces for power and / or data transfer.Data transfer can be unidirectional from the monitoring system to the measuring unit, or bidirectional between the monitoring system and the measuring unit. For example, a data connection from the monitoring system to the measuring unit allows the monitoring system to control or trigger the measuring unit to initiate a measurement. Similarly, a data connection from the measuring unit to the monitoring system allows the measuring unit to control or trigger actions such as measurements or alarms. The interface between the monitoring system and the measuring unit can be wired or wireless. The interface between the measuring unit and the optical sensor can also be wired or wireless.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, the control and evaluation unit and / or one of the control modules can be configured to perform a comparison of at least two elements of the group and / or a comparison of at least one element of the group with at least one comparison value: - Proportion of oxygen saturation (SpO2) in the bloodstream of the pilot; - Proportion of carbon monoxide saturation (SPCO) in the bloodstream of the pilot; - Proportion of a saturation of at least one other blood-soluble gas in the bloodstream of the aircraft pilot; - Proportion of at least one type of hemoglobin in the pilot's bloodstream; - Proportion of oxygen O2 in the breathing gas mixture; - Proportion of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the breathing gas mixture; - Proportion of carbon monoxide (CO) in the breathing gas mixture; - Pilot's heart rate; - Pilot's heart rate variability; - To measure blood flow in the pilot's blood vessels and to determine the pilot's condition based on the comparison.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the control and evaluation unit and / or one of the control modules can be configured to determine the state of the aircraft's breathing gas supply based on comparison.

[0051] In a further preferred embodiment, an output unit can be arranged in or on the monitoring system, or associated with the monitoring system, which enables the provision of at least one output signal indicating the pilot's state and / or the state of the aircraft's breathing gas supply and / or a state of the optical sensor's measuring unit or the monitoring system. States of the optical sensor's measuring unit and the monitoring system can each indicate operational readiness or malfunctions. States of the breathing gas supply can each indicate operational readiness, malfunctions, or faults. Pilot states can indicate the pilot's health status.Assessments of health status can be based on the determined composition of hemoglobin and / or hemoglobin derivatives (oxyhemoglobin, deoxyhemoglobin, dyshemoglobin) or on the proportions or saturations of oxygen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and / or other components in the pilot's bloodstream. Assessments of health status can also be based on the determined gas composition in the pilot's breathing gas supply. Furthermore, assessments of health status can be based on the determined composition of hemoglobin and / or hemoglobin derivatives, proportions, or saturations in the pilot's bloodstream and the determined gas composition in the pilot's breathing gas supply.

[0052] In a further preferred embodiment, the monitoring system can be assigned an external input / output unit. Preferably, the monitoring system and the external input / output unit are connected to each other via a wireless data link. The external input / output unit can be configured to signal events in the monitoring process and / or results of the oxygen concentration in the breathing gas measured by the sensors and / or results of the composition of hemoglobin and / or hemoglobin derivatives (oxyhemoglobin, deoxyhemoglobin, dyshemoglobin) or of the proportions or saturations of oxygen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and / or other components in the pilot's bloodstream, as measured by the optical sensor in conjunction with the measuring unit and the sensors.

[0053] In such a preferred embodiment, the external input / output unit can be designed as a device worn on the body of an aircraft operator, pilot, or co-pilot, in particular as a watch, heart rate monitor, or wristwatch. The watch or heart rate monitor as an external input / output unit can—for example, for alarm output—enable wireless unidirectional data exchange from the monitoring system to the watch, as well as bidirectional wireless data exchange between the watch and the monitoring system, thus enabling remote operation or control of the monitoring system by inputs at the watch.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment, the external output unit can be located on the head of an aircraft operator, pilot, or co-pilot, particularly in the form of headphones positioned at the ear of the aircraft operator, pilot, or co-pilot, or as a bone conduction hearing aid. Headphones or bone conduction hearing aids as external input / output units can enable wireless unidirectional data exchange from the monitoring system to the headphones or bone conduction hearing aids – for example, for alarm output.

[0055] Wireless data exchange can be implemented bidirectionally or unidirectionally using a Bluetooth data connection, according to various configurations of the IEEE 802.15 standard. This is made possible by various application-specific profiles within the IEEE 802.15 standard.

[0056] A Bluetooth data connection enables both unidirectional and bidirectional data communication between the pilot's or copilot's monitoring system and the pilot's or copilot's external output or input / output unit, as a 1:1 (point-to-point) connection, as well as a data network (mesh) between multiple participants, for example, between the two copilot and pilot monitoring systems and their respective input / output units. This allows, for example, mutual signaling or alarms from a pilot's monitoring system to a copilot's monitoring system and / or from a copilot's monitoring system to a pilot's monitoring system.Wireless data connectivity can also enable communication between a pilot's or co-pilot's monitoring system and at least one other participant in a data network. This other participant could be, for example, a flight engineer in the same aircraft or an interface module for connecting to the aircraft's electronics or radio communication system.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment, the measuring unit can be arranged in a single unit with the optical sensor as a component of a heart rate monitor worn on the pilot's wrist. In such an embodiment, the heart rate monitor can advantageously be connected to the monitoring system for data exchange, for example, via a wireless or radio connection.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment, the external input / output unit can be configured to perform at least one action from the following group of actions when the measuring unit, monitoring system and optical sensor interact: - Activation and / or deactivation of the measuring unit; - Activation and / or deactivation of the monitoring system; - Activation and / or deactivation of wireless communication between the measuring unit and the monitoring system; - Activation and / or deactivation of wireless communication between the measuring unit and the optical sensor; - Activation and / or deactivation of wireless communication between the monitoring system and the optical sensor.

[0059] In a particularly preferred embodiment, additional sensors can be arranged in the monitoring system, which are configured to detect and provide information about events and / or situations during flight operations. These additional sensors can, for example, include an accelerometer, such as a 2- or 3-axis accelerometer, a compass sensor (electronic compass, gyrocompass, fluxgate compass), an altimeter, or a gyrometer. These additional sensors can be used to identify flight maneuvers and flight situations (takeoff, landing, descent, acceleration, loops, in-flight refueling).

[0060] The following is a brief summary of some advantages of the invention resulting from the combined monitoring of an aircraft pilot using breath gas analysis and blood gas analysis using a CO-oximeter, with regard to monitoring pilots / co-pilots during flight operations. For example, by detecting methemoglobin (Met-HB), an increase in Met-HB can be identified based on Met-HB threshold values, indicating whether solvent emissions from plastic parts (plasticizers) may have occurred in the breathing gas supply during flight operations. By combining and comparing this data with data from the accelerometer in the monitoring system, the corresponding times, events, and / or flight maneuvers during flight operations can then be identified and marked.

[0061] Combining the measurement of gases (O2, CO2, CO, etc.) in the pilot's breathing air supply (mask) and in the cockpit, and potentially further analysis thereof, with the additional measurement of gas concentrations or saturations (O2, CO) and potentially other substances in the blood using a CO-oximeter module at the pilot's / co-pilot's ear(s), offers several further advantages. This allows the control and evaluation unit to compare O2 breathing gas concentrations with O2-HB, CO2 breathing gas concentrations with CO2-HB, and / or CO breathing gas concentrations with CO-HB.

[0062] By detecting CO2-HB and / or CO-HB with a corresponding measurement in the breathing gas supply with respect to CO2 and / or CO by the monitoring system, it is possible, for example, if an increase in CO2-HB or CO-HB is detected, to identify, by comparison possibly including threshold values, whether exhaust gas components may have entered the breathing gas supply to the pilot during flight operations.

[0063] By measuring O2-HB with a corresponding O2 measurement in the breathing gas supply, it is possible, for example, if a drop in O2-HB is detected while the O2 concentration in the breathing gas supply remains constant, to identify, by comparison and possibly including threshold values, whether the pilot or co-pilot may not have positioned the breathing mask correctly or with a sufficient seal against the face.

[0064] Data from additional sensors, such as an accelerometer, can be used to classify CO-oximeter readings, for example, as "valid" or "invalid." This allows the control and evaluation unit to identify specific situations during flight operations, including potentially implausible, inaccurate, or invalid CO-oximeter readings, thereby reducing measurement artifacts with similar, flight-related effects. However, using an accelerometer or gyrometer in the monitoring unit does not inherently improve the CO-oximeter signal. Influences, such as those caused by flight maneuvers (e.g., looping), are not eliminated from the measurement signal.However, the control and evaluation unit can perform a "temporal blanking" or "blinding" for time points or time intervals identified as significant by means of the marking based on the accelerometer or gyrometer.

[0065] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the figures.

[0066] They show: Fig. 1: a representation of a monitoring system; Fig. 2: a monitoring system with a measuring unit; Fig. 3: a variant of a monitoring system with a measuring unit.

[0067] The Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a state-of-the-art monitoring system 100 based on US20210405008 A1.

[0068] The monitoring system 100 is connected to an aircraft operator (pilot, co-pilot) 99 via a measuring gas line 10 and a breathing mask 20. The breathing mask 20 has a gas connection 21, a connection element 23, and hoses 24 and 25. The hoses 24 and 25 serve to supply and remove breathing gases to the aircraft operator 99. The exhaust gases can be routed to a designated system on the aircraft or to the environment 5, such as the aircraft cockpit. The monitoring system 100 includes operating elements 40, display elements 44, a gas delivery module 50, and a measuring device 66.

[0069] The measuring device 66 has a sensor 60, in particular a sensor 60 for gas analysis, but may also have further sensors 60, for example a sensor 60 which is configured to measure temperatures, pressures or humidity. The gas delivery module 50 is preferably a pump P M trained.

[0070] In addition, the monitoring system 100 has a control and evaluation unit 70.

[0071] The operating elements 40, the display elements 44, the sensors 60, the gas delivery module 50 are connected to the control and evaluation unit 70 and, if applicable, to each other via - in this Fig. 1. Not shown - signal and data lines or control lines are connected. These control lines or signal and data lines can, for example, be configured as a bus system (CAN) or network.

[0072] The control and evaluation unit 70 is designed and intended to control and / or actuate the gas delivery module 50 in such a way that breathing gases are delivered from the breathing mask 20 through the measuring gas line 10 and a gas inlet 51 to the measuring device 66. Thus, a quantity or partial quantity of breathing gas 10 is then available to the measuring device 66 for metrological analysis and for the control and evaluation unit 70 to receive the measured values.

[0073] The control and evaluation unit 70 makes it possible to evaluate, process and display the measured values ​​on display elements 44.

[0074] The Fig. Figure 2 schematically shows a measuring unit 81 in an arrangement 1000 with a monitoring system 100 according to the Fig. 1. Identical elements in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 are in the Fig. 1 and in the Fig.2 with identical reference numerals. An optical sensor 72 is shown as an ear sensor attached to the ear 97 of a pilot 99. The optical sensor 72 is connected to the measuring unit 81 by means of a connecting cable 721. The measuring unit 81 has a control unit 700 and a power supply 85.

[0075] The optical sensor 72 is based on the use of two optical wavelengths and is configured in a minimum configuration with a control unit 700 to form a pulse oximeter module 722 in order to measure and determine a heart rate (HR, pulse) and an oxygen saturation SPO2 or a proportion of oxyhemoglobin (O2-HB) to the total hemoglobin (oxyhemoglobin + deoxyhemoglobin + dyshemoglobin) of the pilot 99 and to provide this information at one of the interfaces 75, 755.

[0076] The optical sensor in a variant 72 extended to four optical wavelengths and the control unit 700 can be configured in an extended configuration to form a CO-oxymeter module 723 and, in addition to heart rate (HR, pulse), oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin, can also measure and determine other hemoglobin derivatives (Dys-HB, such as CO-HB, Met-HB, S-HB, O2-HB, CO2-HB) of the pilot 99 and provide them at one of the interfaces 75, 755.

[0077] The measuring unit 81 or the pulse oximeter module 720 or the CO oximeter module 723 are connected to the monitoring system 100 for pilots 99 by means of data lines 460 and interfaces 75 or by means of wireless interfaces 755 with corresponding transmit / receive components 90.

[0078] The pulse oximeter module 720 or the CO oximeter module 723 can optionally be directly connected to the breathing mask 20 in a single unit. Alternatively, the pulse oximeter module 720 or the CO oximeter module 723 can also be designed as an element or part of the monitoring system 100.

[0079] The Fig. Figure 3 schematically shows a measuring unit 81 arranged as a bracelet on the wrist 98 of a pilot 99 or co-pilot and designed in the form of a watch 45 or wristwatch, which in a single unit may include an optical sensor 72, 72', 720, 723 and functions 700 for acquiring measured values, such as functions for providing, outputting or forwarding information or measured values, a wireless interface 755 with corresponding transmit / receive components 90, functions for data output 44 and / or functions for data input 40. Identical elements in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig.3 are in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and the Fig. 3 with identical reference numbers.

[0080] In an optional extension of the monitoring system 100 or the measuring unit 81, an external output unit 46 with corresponding transmit / receive components 90 can be provided as a wireless external output unit 46. Such an external output unit can, for example, be configured as a headset 97 worn on the ear of the pilot 99 or co-pilot, or as a bone conduction hearing aid. Such an external output unit can also, for example, be configured as an external input / output unit 46 by the watch 45 worn on the wrist 98 of the pilot 99 or co-pilot. REFERENCE MARK LIST 5 Environment, Cockpit 10 Measuring gas line 20 breathing masks 21 Breathing gas connection, gas connection to breathing mask 24, 25 hose lines 40 controls, input elements 44 display elements, output elements 45 o'clock, wristwatch, heart rate monitor 46 external input / output units 460 data lines 50 Module for gas conveyance, pump P M 60 sensors 70 Control and evaluation unit 700 control unit 72, 72' optical sensor, oximetry sensor, ear sensor, sensor on the ear 720 Pulse Oxymeter Module 721 Connection cable 723 CO-Oxymeter Module 75, 755 interfaces, wired, wireless 81 Unit of measurement 85 Energy supply 90 transmit / receive components 97 Pilot's ear 98 Pilot's wrist 99 Pilot, Co-pilot, Aircraft pilot, Flight crew 100 monitoring systems 1000 Arrangement of measuring unit and monitoring system

Claims

[1] Monitoring system (100) for monitoring an aircraft pilot (99) in an aircraft: with at least one sensor (60), with a measuring unit (81), with a module (50) for gas transport, with at least one control and evaluation unit (70), a) wherein the control and evaluation unit (70) is designed to control the sensors (60) and the gas transport module (50), b) wherein the at least one sensor system (60) is designed with at least one gas sensor (66) and the control and evaluation unit (70), to enable the metrological detection of gases or gas mixtures, c) wherein the control unit (70) is trained to organize, control, direct or regulate a process of metrological monitoring of the gas composition of air, breathing air or breathing gases in aircraft or flying equipment, d) where the module PM (50) is designed for gas transport by means of a measuring gas line (10) to a supply of defined quantities of breathing gas mixture from a measuring point (20) to the monitoring system (100) and to the sensor system (60), e) wherein the measuring point (20) is arranged on a breathing gas supply of the pilot (99) such that the quantities of breathing gas mixture supplied to the monitoring system (100) are representative with regard to the composition of gases in the breathing gas mixture, f) wherein the at least one gas sensor (60) is designed to determine a proportion of oxygen O2 in the breathing gas mixture, (g) wherein the measuring unit (81) in conjunction with at least one optical sensor (72) is designed to determine a proportion of a saturation of at least one blood-soluble gas in the blood circulation of the pilot (99). [2] Monitoring system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the optical sensor (72) is attached to an ear (97), is trained on a finger or on a wrist (98) of the pilot (99). [3] Monitoring system (100) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the measuring unit (81) in conjunction with the optical sensor (72) is configured to determine a proportion of a saturation (SPO2) of oxygen and / or a proportion of a saturation of at least one other blood-soluble gas, in particular a saturation (SPCO) of carbon monoxide or a saturation (SPCO2) of carbon dioxide in the blood circulation of the aircraft pilot (99). [4] Monitoring system (100) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, for determining the proportion of saturation in the blood circulation of the aircraft pilot (99), the measuring unit (81) in conjunction with the optical sensor (72) is configured to analyze a proportion of at least one type of hemoglobin in the blood circulation. [5] Monitoring system (100) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one gas sensor (60) is configured to determine a proportion of carbon dioxide CO2 and / or carbon monoxide CO in the breathing gas mixture. [6] Monitoring system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the measuring unit (81) in conjunction with the optical sensor (72) to determine a heart rate and / or to determine heart rate variability and / or is trained to determine the blood flow in the blood vessels of the pilot (99). [7] Monitoring system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control and evaluation unit (70) is configured as a plurality of control modules, wherein at least one of the control modules is configured as a component of the monitoring system (100) or as a component of the measuring unit (81). [8] Monitoring system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein components of the monitoring system (100) and the measuring unit (81) are connected to each other by means of at least one interface (75) and the control and evaluation unit (70) and / or the control modules are configured by means of the interfaces (75) to carry out a coordination of the operation of the measuring unit (81) and the monitoring system (100). [9] Monitoring system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control and evaluation unit (70) and / or one of the control modules are configured to perform a comparison of at least two elements of the group and / or a comparison of at least one element of the group with at least one comparison value: • Proportion of oxygen saturation (SpO2) in the bloodstream of the pilot; • Proportion of a saturation (SPCO) of carbon monoxide in the bloodstream of the pilot (99); • Proportion of a saturation of at least one other blood-soluble gas in the blood circulation of the pilot (99); • Proportion of at least one type of hemoglobin in the pilot's bloodstream; • Proportion of oxygen O2 in the breathing gas mixture; • Proportion of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the breathing gas mixture; • Proportion of carbon monoxide (CO) in the breathing gas mixture; • Pilot's heart rate; • Pilot's heart rate variability (99); • Blood flow in the pilot's blood vessels (99); to carry out and to determine the condition of the pilot (99) based on the comparison. [10] Monitoring system (100) according to claim 9, wherein the control and evaluation unit (70) and / or one of the control modules are configured to determine the state of the breathing gas supply of the aircraft on the basis of comparison. [11] Monitoring system (100) according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein an output unit (40) is arranged in or on the monitoring system (100) or is associated with the monitoring system (100), which enables the provision of at least one output signal which indicates the state of the pilot (99) and / or indicates the state of the breathing gas supply of the aircraft and / or indicates a state of the measuring unit (81), the optical sensor (72) or the monitoring system (100). [12] Monitoring system (100) according to claim 11, wherein the output unit (40) is designed as an external input / output unit (46) and is assigned to the monitoring system (100). [13] Monitoring system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the measuring unit (81) is arranged in a unit with the optical sensor (72) as a component of a heart rate monitor (45) on the wrist (98) of the pilot (99). [14] Monitoring system (100) according to one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the external input / output unit (46) is configured to perform at least one action from the following group of actions when the measuring unit (81), monitoring system (100) and optical sensor (72) interact: • Activation and / or deactivation of the measuring unit (81); • Activation and / or deactivation of the monitoring system (100); • Activation and / or deactivation of wireless communication between measuring unit (81) and monitoring system (100); • Activation and / or deactivation of wireless communication between measuring unit (81) and optical sensor (72); • Activation and / or deactivation of wireless communication between monitoring system (100) and optical sensor (72). [15] Monitoring system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein additional sensor technology, in particular in embodiments of a 2- or 3-axis accelerometer, a compass sensor, an altitude sensor or a gyro sensor, is arranged in the monitoring system, which is designed to detect and provide events and / or situations of flight operations.

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