SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a monitoring system for flight crew or passengers of aircraft or flying devices. Aircraft or flying devices include airplanes or helicopters used in civil or military aviation, such as passenger aircraft in scheduled or charter service, as well as ultra-fast aircraft flying near or above the speed of sound. In particular, flights with jet aircraft at supersonic speeds and / or at altitudes above 15,000 meters above sea level place high demands on flight crew, especially jet pilots, with regard to their fitness to fly, including physical and mental fitness, attentiveness, concentration, and vigilance.To ensure the physical and mental fitness and alertness required for piloting the aircraft at all times, at high altitudes, during rapid maneuvers or flight attitudes such as turns, dives, inverted flight at high speeds (> Mach 1) and with accelerations exceeding or even multiples of Earth's gravity, as well as during in-flight refueling, a reliable aircraft equipment system and a secure supply of clean and safe breathing air for the pilot are essential. Systems used to supply pilots, co-pilots, or passengers with breathing air or gas include those that use ambient air—usually treated, conditioned, and filtered—as the breathing gas source. However, systems are also used that add supplemental oxygen to the breathing air or gas.Oxygen can be carried in the aircraft, for example under high pressure (< 200 bar) using pressurized oxygen cylinders, and reduced to breathable pressure using suitable pressure-reducing equipment. Alternatively, it can be generated for direct use on-site using a chemical oxygen generator, for example, from on-board sodium chlorate. In many cases, the pilot or co-pilot is able to independently activate the oxygen dosage or supply, and / or adjust or specify the quantity, concentration, and / or composition of the breathing gas. The breathing air / gas supply can be drawn directly from the cabin or cockpit air, or a hose system with a face mask can be used for the direct delivery and / or exhaust of breathing air / gas to the pilot or co-pilot.In any case, it is essential that the aircraft's onboard systems supply pilots and co-pilots with safe and safe breathing gas during operations. This includes ensuring that the qualitative and quantitative composition of the breathing gas, particularly the proportions of oxygen and / or carbon dioxide, remains within safe limits. In the natural atmosphere, oxygen (O₂) makes up 21% by volume, along with nitrogen and noble gases. The current average global concentration of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the natural atmosphere is below 0.05% by volume. According to recommendations from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), a carbon dioxide concentration of 30,000 ppm – equivalent to 3% CO₂ by volume – represents the maximum permissible level for passengers in aircraft.The American Society for Heating, Cooling and Air Conditioning (ASHRAE) recommends a carbon dioxide concentration limit of 1,000 ppm – equivalent to 0.1% CO₂ by volume. Therefore, for the provision of breathing gas to pilots, co-pilots, or passengers, an oxygen concentration above 21% by volume and a carbon dioxide concentration of at least 0.1% CO₂ by volume, as recommended by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the American Society for Heating, Cooling and Air Conditioning (ASHRAE), should be aimed for during operation. It is scientifically established that carbon dioxide concentrations above 1%–3% by volume can cause carbon dioxide poisoning, characterized by symptoms such as nausea, headache, and dizziness. Carbon dioxide concentrations above 12% are immediately fatal.Insufficient oxygen supply can be particularly dangerous for pilots and co-pilots, as it can lower the partial pressure of oxygen in the blood, leading to a hypoxic state (hypoxia). This reduction in arterial oxygen partial pressure in the blood—also known as hypoxemic hypoxia (hypoxemia)—often occurs at high altitudes. Symptoms of hypoxia include anxiety and restlessness, dyspnea, cyanosis, tachycardia, increased blood pressure, confusion, dizziness, bradycardia, and even cardiac arrest.

[0002] US Patent 10,561,863 B1 discloses a measuring device for physiological or biological parameters relating to metabolism, the cardiovascular system, oxygen saturation, or lung function. The measuring device is attached to a pilot's breathing mask, thus constituting a wearable measuring device on the human body. Further aspects also relate to a system for an on-board oxygen generation system (OBOGS system) for an aircraft.

[0003] The US 10,561,863 B1 also shows sensor technology which includes sensors for measuring oxygen in blood and breathing gas and carbon dioxide in breathing gas.

[0004] According to US 10,561,863 B1, an optimal breathing gas mixture can be set using sensors in a closed control loop of an OBOGS system.

[0005] Furthermore, the sensors can provide information regarding the user's metabolism. Dangerous breathing situations can also be detected, and as a result of such detection, a backup system for the breathing gas supply can be activated to bridge a failure of the primary breathing gas supply (OBOGS), at least temporarily.

[0006] From EP3287173A1, a device and a method for monitoring inhaled gas are known. A pressure level of the total inhaled air and a partial pressure of oxygen in the inhaled air are determined during the flow of air into a person's face mask, and from this, a partial pressure of oxygen in the person's lungs is estimated. From US2007181129A, a breathing mask with a display device is known, which is configured to visually provide data and / or information to pilots or co-pilots. The display device is designed as a so-called head-up display. The data and / or information is projected internally onto the visor in the pilot's or co-pilot's field of vision. From US7391574B2, another head-up display is known. From US2016253561A, a face mask with a detection device for ambient temperatures and their display is known.Visualization is known. A display device for a face mask in a configuration as a so-called in-mask display is known from US2019118008A. A device for oxygen supply, for example based on the principle of pressure swing adsorption, for an aircraft is known from US8210175B. Oxygen is also supplied from an oxygen reservoir. The air is treated with molecular sieve beds, which are purged with oxygen from the oxygen reservoir at the beginning of operation. Further devices for oxygen supply in aircraft are known from US7407528B, US2004245390A, and US7264647B. A compressed air monitoring device for monitoring compressed air is known from DE102010014222B4. It includes a measuring air line for the continuous extraction of compressed air from a compressed air supply line and at least one sensor for the continuous detection of at least one parameter of the compressed air.Sensors for the continuous measurement of at least one parameter of compressed air include a sensor for measuring the concentration of carbon dioxide, a sensor for measuring the concentration of nitrogen dioxide, a sensor for measuring the concentration of carbon monoxide, a sensor for measuring the concentration of sulfur dioxide, a sensor for measuring the concentration of oxygen, and a sensor for measuring relative humidity in the measuring air line. EP2148616B1 discloses a measuring system with a variety of sensors, such as flow sensors, temperature sensors, pressure sensors, humidity sensors, and gas sensors for measuring oxygen, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen, nitrogen oxides, anesthetic gases, exhaled gas components, and other gases. DE102006030242A1 discloses a configurable measuring system with a variety of gas sensors.Electrochemical, infrared-optical, and catalytic gas sensors can be configured as gas sensors in the measuring system. US20130167843A1 discloses a pump for conveying air volumes. The pump has a piezoelectric operating principle. Such a pump is suitable for conveying gas volumes from a measuring point to a sensor location and / or measurement point via a sample line and is suitable, for example, for use in sidestream measurements for the analysis of gas components—especially carbon dioxide and oxygen—near the mouth / nose area of ​​a person or patient for the analysis of inhaled and / or exhaled air.Various designs and configurations of and with gas conveying devices, pumps or devices for gas transport for the supply of persons with respiratory gases, some in configurations and with suitability for the ventilation of persons, are known from the patent documents WO2018033224A1, US20180163712A1, WO2018033225A1, US20180133420A1, US20180110957A1, WO2019072606A1, DE102017009605A1, DE102017009606A1, DE102018004341A1 and also DE202012013442U1. Further embodiments of gas conveying devices, pumps or devices for gas transport for supplying persons with respiratory gases, some in embodiments and suitable for the ventilation of persons, are known from the - not yet published - German patent applications 102019003643.3, 102019003607.7, 102019004450.9, 102019004451.7.Various designs and configurations of gas conveying devices, pumps or gas transport devices for supplying measuring gases to a gas measuring device are known from the patent documents DE102016013756A1, US20180143171A1, US20180143170A1, US20180335410A1.

[0007] From US2008264418A, a connecting element, a so-called Y-piece, for connecting breathing tubes to the mouth / nose area of ​​a person or patient is known. This Y-piece incorporates sensor components, components for data acquisition, signal processing, signal evaluation, and display. The sensor components include respiratory flow sensors with pressure sensors, sensors for measuring oxygen partial pressure, temperature sensors, flow rate sensors (designed as hot-wire anemometers or ultrasonic flow sensors), and connection elements for ECG and blood pressure measurement. From US7897109B, US7335164B, US6616896B, US5789660B, and US6312389B, oxygen sensors based on the measurement principle of the so-called [missing information - likely a specific type of sensor or method]. luminescence quenchingSeveral devices are known which can be arranged in the sidestream of a patient's respiratory gas path. DE102010037923B4 discloses an oxygen sensor with a bioreactor arrangement. US9867563B discloses a system for detecting and reducing reduced oxygen supply in pilots. US2003194351A discloses a galvanic cell for measuring oxygen. Electrochemical oxygen sensors are known from DE102004062052B4 and DE19726453C2. DE2155935 discloses an electrochemical sensor for measuring gaseous components in a gas mixture. Various designs of electrochemical gas sensors suitable for the measurement of oxygen or other gases are known from US5958200B, DE102009010773B4, DE102005026491B4, DE102005026306B4 and US8496795B.German patent DE102005007539A1 discloses an electrochemical gas sensor for the quantitative determination of redox-active substances in very low concentration ranges. Depending on the design of the electrodes and electrolyte, the electrochemical measuring principle is suitable for detecting a wide variety of gases, such as oxygen, ammonia, sulfur dioxide, hydrogen peroxide, hydrogen sulfide, nitrogen dioxide, nitric oxide, arsine, silanes, formaldehyde, acetylene, carbon monoxide, phosgene, and phosphine. An electrochemical carbon monoxide sensor is known from German patent DE19912100A1. An electrochemical carbon dioxide sensor is known from US patent US4851088B. US patent US5473304B and German patent DE4020385C2 disclose thermal conductivity sensors manufactured using ceramic film technology. US7875244B, GB2210980A1 and DE19610912A1 show thermal conductivity sensors in pellistor design. US2010221148A and US5902556B show catalytic gas sensors with semiconductor chips as the measuring elements.Catalytic gas sensors are known from US2816863B, US2019178827A, US8425846B, US9625406B, US6756016B, US2016178412A, and US6344174B. The catalytic measuring principle, also known as the thermal conductivity principle, is particularly suitable for detecting flammable and / or explosive gases, especially hydrocarbon compounds, as well as for determining residual components of combustion processes. For example, toluene, ammonia, benzene, propane, methane, methanol, octane, butane, and ethylene can be measured using the thermal conductivity principle. Catalytic sensors are often used to monitor limit values, such as the lower explosive limit (LEL). US4175422B discloses a gas sensor with a semiconductor element as the measuring element. From US9958305B a gas sensor device with semiconductor sensor technology in the form of chip technology for monitoring combustion processes in internal combustion engines of a motor vehicle is known.Miniaturized semiconductor gas sensors are known from DE102004048979B4 and US4902138B. A semiconductor carbon monoxide sensor is known from DE102012022136B4. Miniaturized semiconductor oxygen sensors, implemented using microstructured technology, so-called MEMS technology, are known from US9818937B and US9234876B. Gas sensors with solid electrolytes, such as those based on zirconium dioxide, are also known. For example, DE102008056279B4 discloses an arrangement with a heated solid electrolyte oxygen sensor and an ultrasonic sensor for the indirect detection of carbon dioxide concentration. US5026992B discloses a gas sensor for the optical measurement of methane. US8399839B discloses a gas sensor for the optical measurement of carbon dioxide. From EP0149619A1 a device with a lambda probe for detecting a quantity of residual oxygen in the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine is known.A Hall-effect oxygen sensor is known from US4667157B. US8596109B, US8596109B, US9360441B2, US4808921B, US6430987B, US6952947B, US6895802B, US6405578B, US4683426B, US4173975B, US3646803B, US3584499B, US2944418B, and WO16162287A1 disclose devices for measuring the concentrations of paramagnetic gases. Such devices enable, in particular, the qualitative and quantitative measurement of oxygen, since oxygen exhibits paramagnetic properties. A measuring element for a paramagnetic gas sensor, especially for an oxygen sensor, is known from US9360441B. The paramagnetic gas sensor or oxygen sensor can preferably be arranged in the sidestream of a patient's respiratory gas path. Gas measuring devices are described in DE102010047159B4 and US2004238746A. An infrared-optical gas measuring device is described in US5739535B.US patent 8399839B discloses an infrared-optical carbon dioxide sensor, a so-called IR carbon dioxide sensor. Devices for measuring the concentration of carbon dioxide in exhaled gas by measuring thermal conductivity are known from DE 102010047159B4 and US 6895802B. The embodiment according to DE 102010047159B4 shows a carbon dioxide sensor with a semiconductor chip as a measuring element for detecting changes in thermal conductivity. Infrared-optical carbon dioxide sensors are known from US 5696379B, US 2004203169A, and US 4050823B. Infrared optical carbon dioxide sensors, which can be placed in the main stream of a patient's respiratory gas path, are known from US8448642B, US5095900B, US5067492B, WO20109115A1, US2019105457A, US6095986B, USD727492S1 and US5942755B.Gas measuring devices or sensors for the measurement of carbon dioxide, particularly suitable for the measurement of carbon dioxide in exhaled gases, are known from US 2002036266A, US 2004238746A, US 20180120224A1, and US 20180116555A1. Further gas measuring devices or sensors for the measurement of carbon dioxide are known from German patent applications 102020114972.7 and 102020114968.9, which have not yet been published. US 6571622B discloses a combination sensor consisting of an infrared-optical carbon dioxide sensor and a flow sensor, which can be arranged in the main stream of a patient's respiratory gas path. From US2004238746A, US2002036266A infrared optical carbon dioxide sensors are known which can be arranged in the side stream in or on the respiratory gas path of a patient.US6954702B, US7606668B, US8080798B, US7501630B, US7684931B, US7432508B, and US7183552B disclose gas measurement systems for detecting gas concentrations in sidestream and mainstream gases. US9939374B and US7705991B describe interferometers in configurations of gas measurement devices. Laser-based arrangements for detecting gas components are known from US6274879B and EP2788739B1. A gas sensor in a photoionization detector configuration is known from US9459235B. Further aspects regarding the qualitative and quantitative composition of the breathing gas relate to the fact that the breathing gas should be largely free of impurities, for example, largely free of foreign bodies or particles such as soot, dust, pollen or emissions from materials that the breathing gas passes through on its way to aircraft operators, pilots, co-pilots, and passengers.Furthermore, the breathing gas should contain no or only significant amounts of gases or gas mixtures that are hazardous to health, such as carbon monoxide (CO), ozone, traces of other gases or traces of aviation fuel or kerosene, quantities of exhaust gases or combustion residues, or other air pollutants. These include, for example, various compositions of hydrocarbons, benzenes, nitrogen oxides (NO₂, NOₓ), sulfur oxides (SO₂, SOₓ), dioxins, furans, and particles such as soot, particulate matter, and ultrafine particles. In addition to the aforementioned carbon dioxide poisoning, particular attention should also be paid to carbon monoxide poisoning in this context. Concentrations above 200 ppm (0.02%) already cause headaches and impaired judgment; concentrations above 800 ppm (0.08%) cause dizziness, restlessness, nausea, anxiety, and convulsions within 45 minutes and unconsciousness within 2 hours, possibly resulting in death.Carbon monoxide poisoning leads to a reduction in the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood due to a decrease in hemoglobin content (anemia) or by impairment of the oxygen-binding capacity in the blood, resulting in anemic hypoxia.

[0008] This creates a need to ensure that, for the safety of aircraft pilots, co-pilots, and passengers, the onboard systems of an aircraft or flying machine always provide flawless and high-quality breathing gas during flight operations, which can then be administered to them. One object of the present invention is therefore to provide a monitoring system for aircraft pilots, co-pilots, and passengers, or a method that enables the metrological monitoring of breathing gases or breathing air in aircraft or flying machines. A further object of the present invention is to provide a method for the metrological monitoring of breathing gases or breathing air in aircraft or flying machines.

[0009] The problems are solved by the attached, independent patent claims.

[0010] The problem is solved in particular by a monitoring system for monitoring the gas composition of breathing gases in aircraft or flying devices with the features of independent claim 1.

[0011] The problem is also solved by a method for operating a monitoring system for monitoring the gas composition of breathing gases in aircraft or flying machines, comprising the features of independent claim 15. Further features and details of the invention and advantageous embodiments will become apparent from the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings.

[0012] The cross-references used here point to the further development of the subject matter of the main claim by the features of the respective dependent claim and are not to be understood as a waiver of the right to obtain independent, substantive protection for the feature combinations of the cross-referenced dependent claims. Furthermore, with regard to the interpretation of the claims and the description, when specifying a feature in more detail in a dependent claim, it must be assumed that such a limitation does not exist in the preceding claims or in a more general embodiment of the system or method in question. Therefore, any reference in the description to aspects of dependent claims is to be read, even without specific indication, as a description of optional features.Finally, it should be noted that the monitoring system proposed here can also be further developed in accordance with the method claims, and vice versa, for example, by including means that are intended and / or equipped for carrying out one or more method steps, or by including steps that can be carried out by means of the monitoring system or are suitable for operating the monitoring system. In this respect, features and details described in connection with the proposed monitoring system for flight personnel or passengers of aircraft or flying devices and any embodiments thereof naturally also apply in connection with and with regard to a method carried out during the operation of the monitoring system, and vice versa, so that with regard to the disclosure of the individual aspects of the invention, mutual reference is always made or can be made.

[0013] Embodiments of the invention provide possibilities for the metrological monitoring of the gas composition of air, breathing air, or breathing gases in aircraft or flying devices. At least some embodiments of the invention relate to a monitoring system for monitoring the gas composition of air, breathing air, or breathing gases in aircraft or flying devices. At least some embodiments of the invention relate to a method for operating a monitoring system for monitoring the gas composition of air, breathing air, or breathing gases in aircraft or flying devices. In at least some embodiments, the metrological acquisition of the properties of at least one gas by means of sensors in a monitoring system is possible.The properties of a gas can include, for example, physical and other properties: pressure, density, viscosity, thermal conductivity, electrical and magnetic properties, temperature, gas composition, moisture content, toxicity, calorific value, flammability, and binding properties with other gases or liquids, such as water or blood. In at least some embodiments, qualitative measurement of at least one gas is possible. In at least some embodiments, quantitative measurement of at least one gas and / or its concentration is possible. In at least some embodiments, both qualitative and quantitative measurement of at least one gas is possible. In at least some embodiments, both qualitative and quantitative measurement of oxygen is possible.In at least some embodiments, qualitative and quantitative measurement of carbon dioxide is possible. In at least some embodiments, qualitative and quantitative measurement of another gas, in particular carbon monoxide, is possible.

[0014] In at least some embodiments, a control unit is arranged within or associated with the monitoring system. The control unit is designed and intended to organize, monitor, control, or regulate the process of a metrological monitoring of the gas composition of air, breathing air, or breathing gases in aircraft or flying devices. The control unit preferably comprises components (microcontroller, microprocessor, PC) with an associated operating system (OS), data storage (RAM, ROM, EEPROM), and software code for process control, monitoring, and regulation.In at least some embodiments, the control unit is associated with or connected to other electronic elements such as components for signal acquisition (ADµC), signal amplification, analog and / or digital signal processing (ASIC), components for analog and / or digital signal filtering (DSP, FPGA, GAL, µC, µP), and signal conversion (A / D converter).

[0015] In at least some embodiments, sensors can enable the qualitative and quantitative measurement of oxygen concentration. The oxygen concentration can be determined, for example, as a partial pressure in a gas mixture, such as air or breathing gas, or as a volume concentration or mass concentration. Similarly, in at least some embodiments, sensors can enable the qualitative and quantitative measurement of carbon dioxide concentration. The carbon dioxide concentration can be determined, for example, as a partial pressure in a gas mixture, such as air or breathing gas, or as a volume concentration or mass concentration.In at least some embodiments, the sensor system can enable qualitative and quantitative measurement of the carbon monoxide concentration. The carbon monoxide concentration can be determined, for example, as a partial pressure in a gas mixture, such as breathing air or breathing gas, or as a volume concentration or mass concentration. In at least some embodiments, the sensor system can include at least one sensor. This sensor can be an oxygen sensor, a carbon dioxide sensor, or at least one other gas sensor, particularly a carbon monoxide sensor.In at least some embodiments, a paramagnetic oxygen sensor or a measuring module with a paramagnetic oxygen sensor can be used for the qualitative and quantitative measurement of the oxygen concentration. In a further advantageous embodiment, an electrochemical oxygen sensor or a measuring module with an electrochemical oxygen sensor can be used. In another advantageous embodiment, an oxygen sensor or a measuring module with an oxygen sensor that operates on the principle of luminescence quenching or fluorescence quenching can be used. In yet another advantageous embodiment, a semiconductor oxygen sensor, preferably in the form of a so-called MEMS oxygen sensor, or a measuring module with a semiconductor oxygen sensor or with a MEMS oxygen sensor can be used.In a further advantageous manner, an electrochemical oxygen sensor and / or a paramagnetic oxygen sensor, or a measuring module with an electrochemical oxygen sensor and / or a paramagnetic oxygen sensor, can be used.In a further advantageous embodiment, a paramagnetic oxygen sensor and / or a semiconductor oxygen sensor, or a measuring module with a paramagnetic oxygen sensor and / or a semiconductor oxygen sensor, can be used. In at least some embodiments, an optical carbon dioxide sensor, in the form of an infrared-optical so-called IR carbon dioxide sensor, or a measuring module with an infrared-optical carbon dioxide sensor, a so-called IR sensor, can be used for the qualitative and quantitative measurement of the carbon dioxide concentration. In a further advantageous embodiment, a semiconductor carbon dioxide sensor, preferably in the form of a so-called MEMS carbon dioxide sensor, or a measuring module with a semiconductor carbon dioxide sensor or with a MEMS carbon dioxide sensor, can be used.In a further advantageous manner, a semiconductor carbon dioxide sensor, preferably in the form of a so-called MEMS carbon dioxide sensor and / or an optical carbon dioxide sensor, in the form of an infrared-optical so-called IR carbon dioxide sensor, or a measuring module with a semiconductor carbon dioxide sensor or MEMS carbon dioxide sensor and / or an optical carbon dioxide sensor or IR carbon dioxide sensor, can be used.

[0016] The measuring modules with at least one oxygen sensor are also referred to as oxygen measuring modules in the context of the present invention. The measuring modules with at least one carbon dioxide sensor are also referred to as carbon dioxide measuring modules in the context of the present invention.

[0017] In some embodiments, the oxygen and / or carbon dioxide measurement modules may include additional sensors, or further sensors may be assigned to and / or arranged on the modules. In some embodiments, the oxygen and / or carbon dioxide measurement module may be combined with additional gas sensors and additional sensors for the measurement of quantities or material properties, such as pressure, ambient pressure, airway pressure, mask pressure, density, temperature, thermal conductivity, heat capacity, volumetric flow rate, mass flow rate, flow rates, and volumes, and may be configured as a gas measurement module, measurement module, or module for environmental analysis.

[0018] For example, a pressure sensor in the monitoring system can be arranged as an element of the oxygen measuring module or the carbon dioxide measuring module, which is designed to detect a pressure level in the measuring gas line.

[0019] Furthermore, a flow sensor can be integrated into the monitoring system, for example, as a component of the oxygen or carbon dioxide measurement module, designed to detect the flow rate or current in the gas line. Measurement values ​​from the flow sensor, as well as the pressure sensor, can be provided to the control unit.

[0020] The monitoring system comprises modules such as gas measurement modules, measurement modules, and modules for environmental analysis. According to the invention, the monitoring system includes at least one module for gas transport. The gas transport module includes a gas conveying device with a pump and a gas connection, configured to convey a specific quantity of gas from a measurement location remote from the sensor or the oxygen measurement module, carbon dioxide measurement module, or gas measurement module to the oxygen measurement module, carbon dioxide measurement module, or gas measurement module, or to the oxygen sensor or carbon dioxide sensor, thus enabling the measurement of the oxygen and / or carbon dioxide concentration. The pump or...According to the invention, the gas transport module is designed to draw in quantities or partial quantities of breathing gas or breathing air from a measuring point, in particular the breathing mask and / or from the cabin or cockpit, and to convey it to the monitoring system, the oxygen measuring module and / or the carbon dioxide measuring module, or to the sensors, in particular the oxygen sensor and / or the carbon dioxide sensor. The breathing mask can be designed, for example, as a partial mask, half mask, or full mask, or as a combination of a protective helmet and a mask. To largely or completely prevent backflow or to avoid unwanted flows or throughflows, valves can additionally be arranged in the inflow before the pump or in the outflow after the pump. According to the invention, the gas transport module is pneumatically and / or fluidically connected to the measuring point by means of a sample line.To monitor the breathing gas supply of aircraft pilots or co-pilots, a gas-carrying component in the facial area, i.e., near the mouth / nose area of ​​the aircraft pilot or co-pilot, is used as the measuring point. According to the invention, one end of the measuring gas line is arranged on the breathing mask to allow gas to flow from the mouth / nose area to the gas transport module of the monitoring system. The other end of the measuring gas line is pneumatically or fluidically connected to a gas connection for an inlet into the gas transport module, such that the delivery of quantities or partial quantities of breathing gas, for example at a flow rate in the range of 25 ml / min to 250 ml / min, is enabled via the gas transport module to the oxygen measuring module and / or the carbon dioxide measuring module.

[0021] The gas transport module is pneumatically and / or fluidically connected to the oxygen measurement module and / or the carbon dioxide measurement module via an additional gas connection for outflow or conveyance. Using the flow sensor, the control unit can monitor the gas transport module and control, regulate, or adjust the amount of gas being conveyed or drawn in the measuring gas line. The pressure sensor allows the control unit to monitor the pressure level in the measuring gas line and, via the gas transport module, also control, regulate, or adjust it. If the flow sensor is configured as a differential pressure sensor (ΔP sensor) measuring the difference between two pressure points across a flow orifice, then, by detecting the pressure at one of the two points relative to the environment, this sensor can also be used to measure the pressure level in the measuring gas line.

[0022] According to the invention, the gas transport module, in the form of a pump, is arranged at a gas outlet of the monitoring system. In this configuration, the gas transport module draws quantities of gas through the measuring gas line from the pilot's breathing mask into the monitoring system, passing through the sensors for determining the gas concentration. After passing through the pump, the gas is released into the environment via a gas outlet. Any potential contamination from the pump cannot reach the sensors due to the pump's arrangement at the gas outlet. The pneumatic and / or fluidic connection allows for the transport of quantities or partial quantities of breathing gas via the gas transport module, particularly the pump, to the oxygen measuring module and / or the carbon dioxide measuring module, respectively.The gas line is designed to be attached to the oxygen sensor and / or the carbon dioxide sensor, enabling the measurement of oxygen and / or carbon dioxide concentrations. The monitoring system is designed to be worn in or attached to the clothing of the pilot or co-pilot. The gas line is of sufficient length to allow for such attachment. It is particularly advantageous to house or attach the monitoring system in a breast pocket, leg pocket, or thigh pocket of a flight suit. The gas delivery module is designed and constructed to convey gas from the measuring point to the preferred attachment location in the breast pocket, leg pocket, or thigh pocket of the flight suit. The gas delivery module can be, for example, a centrifugal pump, axial pump, radial pump, piston pump, or diaphragm pump.A pump with low energy consumption is particularly advantageous for use in mobile and energy-independent monitoring systems. A piezoelectrically operated pump, often also called a piezo pump, enables, for example, energy-saving use for gas concentration measurement in the monitoring system. Such a pump is offered, for instance, by Murata Manufacturing Corp. of Kyoto, Japan, as a so-called "piezoelectric blower" or "microblower" under the designations MZB1001T02 and MZB 1001. These pumps do not block the flow even without electrical control or activation. Therefore, for use in the monitoring system, it is advantageous to provide a valve for reproducibly blocking or releasing the flow in and through the measuring gas line. This valve ensures the flow in the measuring gas line reliably, reproducibly, and unambiguously with two states: "open" and "blocked."

[0023] For the embodiment with the pump at the gas outlet, a shut-off valve, a so-called "flow-lock valve," is suitable, which can preferably be arranged at the gas outlet. The arrangement of the shut-off valve at the gas outlet of the monitoring system allows the pressure sensor located inside the monitoring system to be used to determine the pressure in the pilot's breathing mask by means of a measurement maneuver to determine the breathing mask pressure, since when the shut-off valve is closed and the flow is stopped, the pressure level inside the monitoring system corresponds to the pressure level in the measuring gas line as well as the pressure level in the breathing mask. Alternatively, for the embodiment with the pump at the gas inlet, a switching valve, a so-called "3 / 2-way valve," is suitable, which can preferably be arranged at the gas inlet.This switching valve allows, on the one hand, the supply of gas from the measuring gas line to the monitoring system, and on the other hand, it also allows the supply of gas from the environment, i.e., the aircraft cabin. While gas is being supplied from the cabin, the control unit can simultaneously determine the pressure level in the breathing mask using a measurement maneuver.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the monitoring system includes an additional gas connection with a changeover valve. In a further preferred embodiment, an additional gas connection with a changeover valve is arranged in or on the gas transport module. This changeover valve allows switching between supplying gas from the measuring gas line and supplying gas from the environment, for example, from the aircraft cabin, via the additional gas connection. In a further preferred embodiment, an additional pump is arranged in or on the additional gas connection. This additional pump allows gas to be supplied from the environment, for example, from the aircraft cabin, via the additional gas connection.For the embodiment with the pump at the gas outlet, an optional changeover valve can be installed at the gas inlet, in addition to the shut-off valve at the gas outlet, to switch between monitoring gas quantities from the measuring gas line of the breathing mask and gas quantities from the cabin. This allows the control unit to switch between supplying breathing gas from the pilot's breathing mask and supplying gas from the cabin at any time, regardless of when the mask pressure is being determined.

[0025] In some embodiments, the control unit can be designed to determine respiratory phase information from the measured values ​​of the carbon dioxide sensor, i.e., the duration of inspiration, the duration of expiration, the ratio (I:E ratio) of inspiration time to expiration time, and the respiratory rate of the aircraft commander, pilot or co-pilot.

[0026] In at least some embodiments, the sensor system and control unit can be configured to detect at least one environmental parameter and / or at least one operating parameter. Operating parameters can include, for example, parameters from flight operations, parameters from the supply of breathing gases to the pilot or co-pilot, or parameters from the control, regulation, or regulation of the aircraft or its components. In at least some embodiments, the sensor system and control unit can be configured to consider and / or incorporate at least one environmental parameter into the monitoring process.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the control unit, in conjunction with a pressure sensor, is designed to determine the current pressure level in the breathing mask. During the flight of a jet aircraft, the pilots (or co-pilots) are supplied with breathing gas via a breathing mask positioned over the mouth and nose. Therefore, monitoring the current pressure level in the breathing mask of the pilot or co-pilot is of particular interest. This ensures that the pilot or co-pilot receives a sufficient pressure level of breathing gas via the breathing mask during flight.

[0028] Embodiments demonstrate ways to use sensors and a control unit to detect pressure levels in the breathing mask and thus monitor, provide, output, and / or document the pressure level in the breathing mask. The control unit detects a pressure level in the measuring gas line using a pressure sensor, which is arranged in the monitoring system and pneumatically and fluidically connected in a pneumatic system to the components breathing mask, measuring gas line, connection elements, and an optional HME filter element arranged in series in the measuring gas line. This pressure measurement indicates a pressure level in the pneumatic system. In a further preferred embodiment for detecting the current pressure level, in a measurement situation during operation of the monitoring system, in which the gas transport module is deactivated, the pressure level is measured using a pressure sensor.With the pump deactivated, no gas is supplied to the sensor via the breathing mask, thus temporarily interrupting or pausing the gas concentration measurement. In such a measurement situation, the measured value, which indicates the pressure level in the pneumatic system, corresponds to the current pressure level in the breathing mask. In addition to deactivating the pump, the shut-off valve can be closed to prevent any gas exchange between the pneumatic system and the environment. This embodiment allows for discontinuous measurement and monitoring of the pressure level in the breathing mask by periodically deactivating the gas supply via the pump.

[0029] In a further preferred embodiment for detecting the current pressure level, a pressure measurement is initiated by the control unit during the ongoing operation of the monitoring system, in which quantities of gas are continuously supplied from the breathing mask to the sensor via the gas transport module or an activated pump. With such an embodiment, a continuous measurement and verification of the pressure level in the breathing mask can be carried out if, at specific intervals, adjustments or calibrations are performed to compensate for pressure drops in the pneumatic system, which includes the breathing mask, measuring gas line, connection elements, and the HME filter element, that occur during operation.In such a preferred embodiment, discontinuous adjustment or calibration can be performed at specific intervals by means of a measurement maneuver coordinated and executed by the control unit in conjunction with the gas transport module or pump, the shut-off valve, and a data storage device. Such a measurement maneuver can be performed periodically during flight operations to continuously determine changes in or to the pneumatic system at specific points in time during the operation of the monitoring system while in use by the pilot. The measurement maneuver comprises the metrological acquisition of pressure levels for zeroing or offset determination at two operating points.The measurement procedure is divided into a pressure measurement of a static pressure level at an operating point without gas flow in the pneumatic system and a measurement of a dynamic pressure level at another predefined operating point with a defined flow in the pneumatic system. During the measurement of the static pressure level, a pressure reading is recorded without gas flow within the pneumatic system using the components: a breathing mask, a measuring gas line, connecting elements, and an optional HME filter element connected in series in the measuring gas line. Without gas flow, i.e., with the pump switched off and a resulting flow rate of 0.00 ml / min, no component-induced pressure drops occur in the pneumatic system between the breathing mask and the pressure sensor or the pump in the monitoring system.The HME filter element prevents moisture from the breathing gas supply (via breathing hose and mask), which is introduced into the measuring gas line by the pilot's exhalation during operation, from entering the monitoring system for the gas composition of the breathing gases. Such an HME filter element (HME = Heat Moisture Exchange) is designed to retain moisture. In a preferred embodiment, the HME filter element is located in the measuring gas line, at the gas inlet, or on the gas transport module. During operation, moisture or liquid continuously accumulates in the HME filter element due to the pilot's exhalation of moist breathing gases. This results in changes in flow resistance over the course of flight operations with the monitoring system running.In addition to shutting off the pump, the shut-off valve is advantageously closed to prevent any gas exchange between the pneumatic system and the environment. The measured pressure without gas flow in the measuring gas line corresponds to a snapshot of the current pressure in the breathing mask with the shut-off valve closed and is stored as a static pressure of the pneumatic system in a data logger. When measuring the dynamic pressure level, a pressure reading is recorded along with a defined gas flow and corresponding pressure drops across the components of the pneumatic system, including the measuring gas line, connection elements, and the optional HME filter element. This measured pressure reading, along with the defined gas flow, is stored as a dynamic pressure of the pneumatic system in the data logger.A suitable and defined gas flow rate in the measuring gas line, ranging from 10 ml / min to 400 ml / min, can be activated, monitored, controlled, or regulated by the control unit. The pressure reading with flow corresponds to the dynamic, current, total pressure drop of the pneumatic system. This pressure reading then represents the sum of the pressure drops in the pneumatic system, i.e., pressure drops across components such as the breathing mask, HME filter element, measuring gas line, and connecting elements. The control unit can determine the pressure drop attributable to the components as an offset pressure level in the pneumatic system from the difference between the previously determined static pressure level and the sum of the dynamic pressure drops.Changes in the measured differences between dynamic and static pressure readings between two or more points in time during the measurement maneuver allow the control unit to draw conclusions regarding changes in pressure drops and offset pressure levels in the pneumatic system during operation. These offset pressure levels in the pneumatic system, their differences, and their changes are continuously recorded and determined by the control unit during flight operations and stored in the data memory – for example, as a data record, a table, or a log file.In this preferred embodiment, the control unit is advantageously designed, by means of a measurement maneuver, to determine specific offset pressure levels as calibration values ​​for determining the current mask pressure by measuring static and dynamic pressure drops across the pneumatic system. These values ​​are then made available, output, and / or stored in the form of data sets or tables. The measurement maneuver thus provides trends and changes in the offset pressure level during operation of the monitoring system for the pilot, or co-pilot, in flight. In this way, it is possible to determine and monitor the pilot's current mask pressure even when components of the pneumatic system change during flight operations.In particular, repeated measurement maneuvers allow for the detection of pressure drops across the HME filter element, caused by moisture saturation, as changes in the offset pressure level. These changes can then be compensated for when calculating current pressure levels in the breathing mask. Such repetitions of the check can be performed, for example, every 15 to 60 minutes. More frequent execution is not advantageous, as the monitoring of gas concentrations is briefly suspended or paused during the maneuver. The control unit can determine the current pressure in the breathing mask based on the offset pressure level of the pneumatic system components last determined by the measurement maneuver, even during operation with the pump activated and the gas concentrations of oxygen and / or carbon dioxide being measured.The measurement can be performed with other gases or cabin air. The current pressure level in the breathing mask is determined by subtracting the last recorded offset pressure level, stored in the data memory, from the current pressure reading when the measuring gas flows through the measuring gas line (which indicates the pressure level in the pneumatic system). The measurement procedure, previously described for determining the pressure in the breathing mask, is then explained in the context of its integration into the monitoring system's measurement operation for the measurement of gas concentrations, preferably carbon dioxide and oxygen, along with the functions of the components involved. The measurement procedure can be activated or started at predetermined times from within the ongoing measurement operation of the monitoring system.The following steps are activated, initiated, and executed by the control unit in a sequence from start to finish: . In a first step, the pump is deactivated; in a second step, the shut-off valve is closed; in a third step, an initial measurement is performed by the pressure sensor to determine the static pressure level; in a fourth step, the shut-off valve is opened; in a fifth step, the pump is activated to deliver a defined flow rate of 50 ml / min to 100 ml / min of gas from the breathing mask through the measuring gas line into the monitoring system and to the sensors; the flow rate is monitored by a flow measurement using the flow sensor; in a sixth step, another measurement is performed by the pressure sensor, i.e.,A pressure measurement is performed to determine the dynamic pressure level; in a seventh step, a difference value is calculated using the pressure readings from the first and subsequent pressure measurements.

[0030] The difference value determined in this way represents the offset pressure level and can be used as a calibration value for determining mask pressure during the subsequent operation of the monitoring system in the aircraft. In optional configurations of the measurement sequence, the control unit can synchronize the measurements of static and dynamic pressure levels and / or flow rates with the breathing of the pilot or co-pilot in the third, fifth, and sixth steps. This allows the pressure and / or flow measurements to be preferably performed during inspiratory or expiratory pauses.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the control unit can be configured to incorporate information regarding the pilot's breathing phases into the measurement maneuver for determining the pressure in the breathing mask, both during the acquisition and / or determination of the static and / or dynamic pressure readings. Acquiring the pressure readings synchronized with respiration, by performing the measurement during pauses between inhalation and exhalation, is advantageous because, during such pauses, no superimposed pressure effects caused by respiration can distort or influence the pressure readings. Synchronization with respiration can be performed by the control unit using breathing phase information based on concentration changes of carbon dioxide and / or oxygen measured in the monitoring system.The physiological concentration differences in the oxygen content of the respiratory gas between inhalation (21%) and exhalation (16%), as well as concentration differences in the carbon dioxide content between exhalation (~5%) and inhalation (<1%), can be used by the control unit to determine respiratory phases. Without such synchronization of the pressure measurement, suitable signal filtering, for example using a low-pass filter or a – preferably moving – average of the pressure sensor readings, is useful for signal processing in order to remove the respiratory or respiratory rate components from the pressure measurements.

[0032] Therefore, in a particularly preferred embodiment, the control unit, together with the signal processing unit, is configured using suitable signal filtering to determine the static and / or dynamic pressure measurements while removing signal components induced by the pilot's breathing. Advantageously, a gas analysis of the cabin air can be performed using the switching valve during the mask pressure measurement. Target values ​​(setpoints) can be provided from an external system.

[0033] Reference values, such as breathing mask pressure thresholds, can be provided via a data interface. Based on these values, the monitoring system can then determine an alarm situation when the thresholds are exceeded or fallen below, and provide corresponding alarm signals and / or data. This data can be provided, for example, via wired connections, wirelessly via radio transmission, or wirelessly via infrared transmission to external systems. Further options for alerting the pilot include visual, optical, or acoustic signaling systems, such as lamps, LEDs, displays, loudspeakers, buzzers, horns, or similar devices. Another option for alerting the pilot is tactile, for example, in the form of a vibration alarm.

[0034] Other embodiments can demonstrate how, in addition to mask pressure, further environmental parameters can be determined by the control unit. Examples of environmental parameters during the operation of aircraft or flying devices include: Ambient pressure outside the cockpit or cabin of the aircraft or flying machine; Ambient temperature inside the cockpit or cabin of the aircraft or flying machine; Gas composition inside the cockpit or cabin of the aircraft or flying machine; Absolute and / or relative humidity inside the cockpit or cabin of the aircraft or flying machine; Density and / or ambient pressure inside the cockpit or cabin of the aircraft or flying machine; Ambient temperature inside the cockpit or cabin of the aircraft or flying machine; Gas composition inside the cockpit or cabin of the aircraft or flying machine; Ambient pressure outside the cockpit or cabin of the aircraft or flying machine; Ambient temperature outside the cockpit or cabin of the aircraft or flying machine; Gas composition outside the cockpit or cabin of the aircraft or flying machine; Absolute and / or relative humidity outside the cockpit or cabin of the aircraft orAircraft density and / or ambient pressure outside the cockpit or cabin of the aircraft or aircraft; ambient temperature outside the cockpit or cabin of the aircraft or aircraft; gas composition outside the cockpit or cabin of the aircraft or aircraft; pressure level, pressure profile, pressure-time profile, pressure differences, pressure fluctuations in breathing gas, breathing gas mixture or breathing air supplied to the pilot or co-pilot; pressure level, pressure profile, pressure differences, pressure fluctuations in the supply of onboard systems (e.g., gas tanks, compressed oxygen cylinders, air intake, gas conditioning, filtration) for breathing gas, breathing gas mixture or breathing air

[0035] In at least some embodiments, the control unit can be configured to consider and / or incorporate at least one situational parameter into the monitoring process. Situational parameters are understood to be situations and / or states resulting from situations during the operation of aircraft or flying equipment.

[0036] These include, for example: a flight direction, a flight altitude, a flight axis attitude, a flight attitude (e.g., inverted flight, turning, dive, descent, climb), an airspeed, a flight direction, a horizontal acceleration, a vertical acceleration, a yaw angle or a roll angle, a remaining supply of oxygen or air, a remaining supply of compressed oxygen gas or compressed air

[0037] In some embodiments, the monitoring system may have a data interface. The data interface may be configured as a unidirectional or bidirectional interface and may be used, for example, for data provision, data reception, data exchange, or communication with components of the aircraft or flying device.

[0038] In at least some embodiments, the situational parameters and / or the environmental parameters can be received and / or provided to the monitoring system and / or the control unit via the data interface. In at least some embodiments, the situational parameters and / or the environmental parameters can be measured using additional sensors arranged in or on the monitoring system and provided to the control unit.In addition to sensors for the measurement of oxygen and / or carbon dioxide, other gas sensors, such as those for the measurement of carbon monoxide, as well as other gas sensors, such as electrochemical gas sensors, catalytic gas sensors, optical, infrared-optical gas sensors, photoionization gas sensors, solid-state electrolyte gas sensors or semiconductor gas sensors, can be used in sensor technology to monitor the breathing gas not only for the measurement of oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations, but also for other substances such as hydrocarbons, residues or products of combustion processes.Additional sensors in the sensor system may include pressure sensors, which can be configured to measure ambient pressure, in particular pressure or density inside and / or outside the cockpit or cabin of the aircraft or flying machine, and provide this information to the control unit. Further sensors in the sensor system may be configured as temperature sensors, which can be designed and configured to measure ambient temperature, in particular temperature inside and / or outside the cockpit or cabin of the aircraft or flying machine, and provide this information to the control unit.These additional sensors in the sensor system can be designed as humidity sensors to detect absolute or relative humidity of the environment, which can be designed and intended to measure humidity in the environment, in particular inside and / or outside the cockpit or cabin of the aircraft or flying machine, and to provide this information to the control unit.

[0039] In some embodiments, additional sensors may be provided on or within the monitoring system to acquire data for determining situational parameters, enabling the control unit to ascertain the current flight situation, including altitude, direction, airspeed, acceleration, attitude, orientation in space, and flight maneuver (e.g., climb, descent, turn, approach, takeoff). For this purpose, pressure sensors, accelerometers, altitude sensors, compass sensors, gyroscopes, humidity sensors, and temperature sensors may be arranged on or within the sensor array or assigned to it.

[0040] In some embodiments, the sensors can be positioned very close to the mouth / nose area, either inside or on the breathing mask. Depending on the airflow characteristics of the mouth / nose area, active transport of respiratory gases to the sensors may be partially unnecessary in such cases. The respiratory gases then pass passively, i.e., through diffusion from the mouth / nose area within the mask to the sensors. In specific configurations, it may be possible to integrate the sensors into the breathing mask or into parts of the breathing mask.Due to the ongoing technological development in the field of chip and / or MEMS technology, miniaturization of electrochemical, catalytic or semiconductor sensor elements can be expected in the near future, which will then enable the integration of sensors, preferably with oxygen sensors, carbon dioxide sensors and other gas sensors as well as additional and optional pressure sensors and / or temperature sensors directly at the measurement point.

[0041] In some configurations, the gas transport module may be equipped with an additional gas connection. This additional gas connection allows for the connection and supply of quantities or partial quantities of gas or ambient air from the cabin or cockpit to the monitoring system. A changeover valve (e.g., a 3 / 2-way valve) or a system of valves allows the pump or gas transport module to be selectively supplied with gas, quantities, or partial quantities from the ambient air or from the mouth / nose area of ​​the pilot, or co-pilot, for example, from the breathing mask.

[0042] In some embodiments, a further pump may be provided and arranged such that one pump is designed and arranged to transport gas, quantities, or partial quantities from the ambient air to the oxygen measurement module and / or the carbon dioxide measurement module, or to the oxygen sensor and / or the carbon dioxide sensor, and this further pump is designed and arranged to transport gas, quantities, or partial quantities from the mouth / nose area of ​​the aircraft operator, pilot, or co-pilot, for example, from the breathing mask, to the oxygen measurement module and / or the carbon dioxide measurement module, or to the oxygen sensor and / or the carbon dioxide sensor. In such an embodiment, a switching valve (e.g., a 3 / 2-way valve) or a system of valves for switching between quantities or partial quantities of breathing gas can be omitted.

[0043] In some embodiments, the control unit can be configured to control the gas transport module. Control of the gas transport module can include activation, deactivation, adjustment, control, or regulation of the module. Adjustment can, in particular, include setting the speed, flow rate, and / or pressure level, for example, by means of optical or electrical control signals (CAN bus, PWM) or electrical control voltages. In a variant of such embodiments, a determination of any leakage in the measuring gas line can be made based on the acquisition of gas concentration measurements and / or pressure measurements—for example, also based on pressure differences between the mask and the cockpit.

[0044] In some embodiments, the control unit can further be configured to take at least one environmental parameter or at least one situational parameter into account and / or incorporate it into the control of the gas transport module. Such consideration can, in particular, include adjusting the activation, deactivation, rotational speed, flow rate, and / or pressure level of the gas transport module. This makes it possible to deactivate the gas transport module during certain flight maneuvers, for example, during climb, descent, or turns, and / or to reactivate it after the maneuver, possibly with an increased flow rate.

[0045] In at least some embodiments, the monitoring system and / or the control unit can be configured to determine and / or detect an alarm situation, to organize an alarm or alarm signal, and / or to provide an alarm signal. Based on sensor readings and / or information provided via the data interface, the control unit can determine and / or detect an alarm situation and trigger an alarm and / or provide an alarm signal, for example, at the data interface or another data interface. The alarm can be visual, audible, and / or tactile. A visual alarm can, for example, be in the form of a white and / or colored light source (LED, strobe light) or a text output (LCD, LED, display).Such alerts can be visual, for example, via a suitable visualization device on or in a face mask or breathing mask, such as an in-mask display or head-up display. Audible alerts can be given, for example, as a voice announcement or using an audible alarm device (horn, siren). Tactile alerts can be given, for example, as a vibration alarm on aircraft equipment, such as seats, control elements (foot pedals, handles), as well as equipment (breathing mask, breathing tube) or clothing (suit, vest, parachute, shoes) of the aircraft operator, pilot, or co-pilot.

[0046] In some embodiments, the control unit can consider and / or incorporate an environmental parameter and / or a situational parameter into the organization of the alarm or alarm delivery and / or the provision of the alarm signal. This advantageously enables the aircraft commander, pilot, or co-pilot to be provided with relevant and prioritized alarm information in a consolidated or compact manner regarding the status of the measurement in the breathing gas in relation to the environmental situation (temperature, gas composition in the ambient air) and the operational or maneuvering situation of the aircraft (takeoff, approach, in-flight refueling, descent, turns, climb).In a special configuration, the control unit can take into account an environmental parameter and / or a situational parameter when performing signal processing and / or signal filtering of the sensor readings and / or include it in an adjustment of the signal processing.

[0047] In some embodiments, the control unit can use predetermined threshold values ​​when organizing the alarm, which may be stored in the data memory of the monitoring system for certain values ​​of gas concentrations, in particular concentrations of oxygen or carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide.

[0048] In some embodiments, the control unit can implement an early warning system for hypoxia detection, possibly with adapted alarm management, based on current and historical concentration measurements of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the form of trend monitoring and with the aid of a suitable decision matrix or algorithms specifically adapted to the problem, including adaptive or self-learning algorithms (SVM, Random Forest, AI, Deep Learning, PCA). This system can then be used to detect the onset of hypoxia. In a particular embodiment, the control unit can also take an environmental parameter and / or a situational parameter into account.In a special configuration, the control unit can also take into account further physiological data from aircraft operators, pilots, co-pilots, such as ECG, heart rate, heart rate variability, blood oxygen saturation, and body temperature, provided, for example, via the data interface or measurement systems assigned to the monitoring system, in the early warning system for hypoxia detection.

[0049] In some embodiments, such modules as gas measurement modules, measurement modules, or modules for environmental analysis can include at least one energy storage device, such as a primary battery or a rechargeable battery. Examples of rechargeable battery types include lithium-ion batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-cadmium batteries. Examples of primary battery types include alkaline manganese batteries, silver oxide-zinc batteries, lithium batteries, and aluminum-air batteries.

[0050] In embodiments with rechargeable batteries, battery charging systems and / or battery management systems for monitoring battery charge and / or battery status, as well as interfaces for supplying the battery charging systems and / or battery management systems with electrical charging energy, can usually be integrated into the monitoring system. Battery management systems typically have interfaces for external communication to provide data or information about the battery's condition; such interfaces can be wired (e.g., CAN bus), contactless (e.g., RFID, NFC), wireless (e.g., Bluetooth), or infrared-optical (e.g., IrDA).In addition, modules such as gas measurement modules, measurement modules, and modules for environmental or environmental analysis may include further components, such as components for signal acquisition (ADµC), signal amplification, analog and / or digital signal processing (ASIC), components for analog and / or digital signal filtering (DSP, FPGA, GAL, µC, µP), signal conversion (A / D converter), components (µC, µP) for monitoring, control, and regulation, components (µC, µP) for operational sequence control and user interaction, input and output interfaces, and a user interface with at least one operating element and / or at least one display element. The at least one operating element and the at least one display element may be located in or on the monitoring system or be associated with the monitoring system.

[0051] With the help of at least one operating element, in some embodiments the user may, for example, be able to operate the monitoring system with the start (start, activation) or end (stop, deactivation), select between different operating modes of the monitoring system, or carry out maintenance, adjustment or calibration procedures.

[0052] With the aid of at least one display element, the user can, in some embodiments, be informed about events, situations, current measured values, and / or historical measured values ​​that have been measured and provided by the sensors or measuring modules, in particular the oxygen sensors and / or carbon dioxide sensors or the oxygen measuring modules and / or carbon dioxide measuring modules. The display elements can also provide the user with measured values ​​derived from the measured values, such as maximum or minimum values, average values, trends, statistics, events, and alarm situations.Furthermore, the display elements can provide the user with general information about the current operating status of the monitoring system, such as battery charge level, remaining battery life, maintenance information, information about the monitoring system itself, such as type, designation, variant, version, serial number, initial commissioning, upcoming maintenance intervals, status data, operating state (Ready, In-OP, Stand-by), information about malfunctions, error memory, and operating instructions.

[0053] In some embodiments, the display elements can be designed as a graphical user interface (GUI).

[0054] In addition to display elements, some embodiments may include input elements. These input elements can be designed as mechanical or touch-sensitive buttons or switches, rotary or slide controls, or as a graphical user interface (GUI). In some embodiments, display elements and input elements can be combined. For example, a touch-sensitive display (touch screen) allows for flexible display and operation options, such as the use of gestures (swiping, dragging) to vary the display, for instance, to enlarge or reduce the size of display elements (zoom function). The combination of display and input elements can preferably be implemented as a graphical user interface (GUI, touchpad).

[0055] In some embodiments, an input element may be provided that allows the user of the monitoring system to initiate, annotate, trigger, start, or terminate specific situations, defined actions, or states within the monitoring system. Such an input element may, for example, be designed as an annotation button and / or a panic button, preferably operable manually. Alternatively, operation via voice command may be possible, in which case the annotation button and / or the panic button are equipped with means for speech capture, speech processing, and speech recognition with command recognition.

[0056] In further alternative embodiments, the input element can also be supplemented by or designed with an accelerometer. For example, data or measured values ​​from an accelerometer can be used by the control unit. This accelerometer is integrated as part of the monitoring system's sensor array to acquire data for determining situational parameters. This allows the monitoring system to measure and record the current flight situation, including altitude, direction, airspeed, acceleration, attitude, orientation in space, and flight maneuvers (e.g., climbing, descending, turning, approach, takeoff). Alternatively, an additional 2- or 3-axis accelerometer can be arranged in or on the monitoring system, which, in conjunction with the control unit, functions as an input element.The accelerometer can detect movements or deflections of the monitoring system, movements or deflections of a housing of the monitoring system, as well as mechanical or tactile stimuli or excitations acting on the accelerometer and provide them to the control unit as measured values ​​or data. Mechanical or tactile stimuli or excitations are applied by the pilot or co-pilot as a force, energy, or energy input in the direction of at least one of the directions or axes detectable by the accelerometer. This is done by applying pressure or impact (push, hit, tapping) to the accelerometer via hand movements.This is particularly advantageous for the pilot or co-pilot when the monitoring system is a mobile module housed in a closed pocket in or attached to clothing, such as a vest, jacket, or suit. The force can then be applied through the clothing to the accelerometer in the monitoring system. Using the accelerometer as an input device allows the pilot or co-pilot to operate the monitoring system during flight when they cannot access other input elements on the mobile module. This is the case, for example, when the monitoring system is a mobile module housed in a pocket in or attached to clothing.Thus, the accelerometer offers an alternative to operating the monitoring system via a manual button or switch. A control unit can be used to evaluate the accelerometer readings or data, or an additional unit can be integrated into the monitoring system specifically designed to acquire and analyze accelerometer data. This analysis is primarily based on time measurements. Using these time measurements in conjunction with threshold values ​​for the accelerometer readings or data, an evaluation can be performed regarding the duration of tactile excitation as well as the time intervals between two or more tactile excitations.In one exemplary embodiment, the control unit can be configured to detect an initial force application or force input to the accelerometer by comparing the measured values ​​or data from the accelerometer with a threshold value. If a measured value from the accelerometer exceeds a predetermined threshold value for a predetermined initial period of time, the control unit interprets this situation as an initial force application in at least one of the directions or axes detectable by the accelerometer. This provides an indication that the pilot has begun an input activity by means of a hand movement.If the accelerometer readings are subsequently exceeded again for a second predetermined period and a second predetermined threshold, the control unit interprets this as the end of the first force application. If, within a third predetermined period, an accelerometer reading is exceeded again with respect to the first predetermined threshold for the first predetermined period, the control unit interprets this as a further force application in at least one of the directions or axes detectable by the accelerometer. This provides an indication of continued pilot input.If the accelerometer readings or data subsequently fall below the second predetermined threshold for a second predetermined period, the control unit interprets this as the end of further force application. If no further force applications are detected by the accelerometer within a fourth predetermined period, this indicates that the pilot's input activity has ceased.With this type of evaluation, the control unit is equipped and able to detect and recognize a "double tap" input activity by the pilot's hand movement by evaluating the accelerometer readings regarding the first, second threshold values ​​and the first, second, third, and fourth time durations during the monitoring system's operation. Based on this, it can then trigger further actions within or on the monitoring system. Such actions can, for example, function like an annotation button and / or a panic button.

[0057] In some embodiments, the control unit's design can be extended beyond "double tap" to allow input via "triple tap" or "quadruple tap." This results in a simple encoding for inputs made using the accelerometer, enabling the control unit to differentiate between various input situations by distinguishing between "double tap," "triple tap," or "quadruple tap."In principle, a "single tap" input can also be implemented, whereby the duration of the excitation that indicates the "single tap" would have to be set in such a way that no confusion with other excitations by the pilot, the aircraft or equipment is possible.

[0058] In some embodiments, the control unit can, in addition to evaluating the duration of tactile stimuli, also incorporate differences in the duration of the tactile stimuli from the accelerometer into its evaluation. These differences, along with evaluating patterns of "multiple presses," can then be used by the control unit to increase the number of distinguishable events, for example, by differentiating between a "short pause" and a "long pause" as the duration of the tactile stimuli from the accelerometer. Thus, this variation in pause lengths results in a kind of Morse code in the evaluation of the tactile stimuli, providing another way to encode events using the accelerometer as an input element.

[0059] This offers several advantages and possibilities, as the pilot or co-pilot can use the accelerometer as an input element during flight operations. This allows for different input situations, with corresponding actions or responses triggered by the inputs. For example, a measurement maneuver can be manually initiated, an annotation or time stamp can be entered in a logbook, or a specific health condition, such as dizziness during data recording or storage, can be flagged without having to operate a button or switch on the monitoring system with a direct line of sight to it. A measurement maneuver could, for example, be used to determine static and dynamic pressure levels in the pneumatic system or to activate the changeover valve for monitoring gas concentrations in the cabin.

[0060] In some embodiments, a data storage device for storing measured values, such as maximum or minimum values, averages, trends, statistics, events, and alarm situations, can be located in or attached to the monitoring system. Such a data storage device can be configured as volatile or non-volatile memory (RAM, ROM, EEPROM) and can be either an integral part of the monitoring system or a removable and / or portable storage module (USB flash drive, SD card). The data storage device can be used for recording or storing data entered via the input element and can provide functions similar to a logbook or flight recorder.The logbook can advantageously be designed with tables, lists, and data sets to allow for the evaluation of gas concentration, flow, pressure, and temperature measurements over time, with temporal assignment and marking (annotation). It can also record further events or manual entries via the input element and make them available for simultaneous or subsequent evaluation. When recording events, measured values ​​or signals from the accelerometer can be used to place the respective marking / notation made by the pilot in the logbook within the context of flight situations or maneuvers for real-time or retrospective evaluation.When recording events, measurements or signals from an altitude sensor can be used to contextualize the respective entry made by the pilot in the logbook with flight situations (altitude) for real-time or retrospective analysis. Similarly, when recording events, measurements or data from gas sensors can be used to contextualize the respective entry made by the pilot in the logbook with the gas supply (CO₂, O₂) for real-time or retrospective analysis.

[0061] In a special embodiment of some designs, the control unit can be configured to take into account an environmental parameter and / or a situational parameter when performing signal processing and / or signal filtering of the sensor readings and / or to include it in an adaptation of the signal processing.

[0062] In some embodiments, the control unit may be configured to use predetermined threshold values ​​when organizing the alarm, which may be stored in the data memory of the monitoring system for certain values ​​of gas concentrations, in particular concentrations of oxygen or carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide.

[0063] In some embodiments, the control unit can be designed as an early warning system for hypoxia detection based on current and past sensor readings, for example in the form of trend monitoring of oxygen and / or carbon dioxide concentrations. using a decision matrix or with the help of specially adapted algorithms or with the help of learning or self-learning algorithms (e.g.: SVM, Random Forest, AI, Deep Learning, ICA, PCA) to put into practice.

[0064] In certain embodiments, the control unit can also take into account an environmental parameter and / or a situational parameter.

[0065] In further specific embodiments of some models, the control unit can employ alarm management adapted to the early warning system. In a specific embodiment of some models, the control unit can be configured to incorporate additional physiological data from aircraft operators, pilots, and co-pilots, such as ECG, heart rate, heart rate variability, blood oxygen saturation, and body temperature, into the early warning system for hypoxia detection. This data may be provided, for example, via the data interface or measurement systems assigned to the monitoring system.

[0066] Further examples of implementation provide methods for operating a monitoring system.

[0067] In some embodiments of the method for operating a monitoring system, the control unit first activates the sensors of the monitoring system. In a second step, it prepares for data storage by initializing a data storage device. In a third step, the sensors of the monitoring system acquire measured values ​​according to a time-controlled sequence. In a fourth step, the measured values ​​are stored in the data storage device along with associated time information. The third and fourth steps are continuously repeated by the control unit until the method for operating the monitoring system is terminated.

[0068] In some embodiments of the method for operating a monitoring system, when storing the measured values ​​of the sensor technology with the associated time information in the data storage, additional storage of situational parameters and / or environmental parameters may be possible.

[0069] In some embodiments of the method for operating a monitoring system, when an input element is activated by a user, an additional acquisition of sensor measurements at the time of activation of the input element may be possible – independent of the time control.

[0070] Further measures improving the invention will become apparent from the following description of some exemplary embodiments of the invention, which are illustrated in the figures. All features and / or advantages arising from the claims, the description, or the drawings, including design details and spatial arrangements, can be essential to the invention, both individually and in various combinations. The figures schematically show: the Figure 1a , 1b a monitoring system with sensors that Figures 2a and 2b a monitoring system according to the Figure 1a , 1b with a measuring functionality for oxygen and carbon dioxide, which Figure 3 an extension of the variants according to the monitoring systems Figure 1a , 1b , 2a , 2b , the Figures 4 and 5 two variants of the monitoring systems according to the Figure 1a , 1b, 2a , 2b , 3 with additional sensors that Figure 6 a variant of the monitoring system according to the Figure 3 , the Figure 7 another variant of the surveillance system after the Figure 3 , the Figure 8 an alternative variant of the monitoring system according to the Figure 6 , the Figure 9 A flowchart for determining breathing mask pressure.

[0071] The Figure 1a , 1b They show a monitoring system 100, which is connected to a measuring gas line 10 and a breathing mask 20 of a person 99. Identical elements in the Figure 1a , 1b are in the Figure 1a , 1b designated with the same reference symbols. Person 99 represents in this Figure 1This represents an aircraft operator (pilot, co-pilot) or passenger of an aircraft, in particular a jet aircraft. The breathing mask 20 has a gas connection 21, a connection element 23, and hoses 24, 25. The hoses 24, 25 serve to deliver and supply breathing gases to the person 99. In this Figure 1a The hose lines are shown as two separate hose lines 24, 25. As in the Figure 1bHowever, versions with a connection element 23' are also possible, in which only one hose line 25 is present for the supply of breathing gas for inhalation, and exhalation takes place via an exhalation valve 29 in the breathing mask 20 to an environment 5. Another possibility is a coaxial hose system, which has two hose lines 24, 25 as a common element. For the sake of clarity, the routing or supply of breathing gases and the necessary means or elements into the aircraft or flying machine for providing the breathing gas are not shown in this document. Figure 1aand not shown in the other figures. The monitoring system 100 comprises operating elements 40, display elements 44, at least one gas delivery module 50, and a sensor system 60 with at least one sensor 66. The gas delivery module 50 is designed as a pump PM, preferably as a piezoelectrically operated pump PM. The monitoring system 100 also comprises a control unit 70. Operating elements 40, display elements 44, sensor system 60, and the gas delivery module 50 are connected to the control unit 70 via signal and data lines or control lines. These control lines or signal and data lines can, for example, be configured as a bus system (CAN) or network. For the sake of clarity, these control lines or signal and data lines are shown in the Figure 1aas well as the other figures not shown. The control 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 sensor 60. Thus, a quantity or partial quantity of breathing gas is then available to the at least one sensor 66 in the gas sensor 60 in order to measure and / or analyze it and provide it to the control unit 70 as measured values. The control unit 70 enables the measured values ​​to be evaluated, processed, and displayed, at least on some elements of the display elements 44.

[0072] The Figures 2a , 2b Monitoring systems show 100, 110 according to the Figure 1a , 1bwith the special feature that the sensor 66 in the sensor assembly 60 is designed as an oxygen sensor 68 and, in addition, another sensor, a carbon dioxide sensor 64, is also arranged in the sensor assembly 60. Identical elements in the Figure 1a , 1b , 2a , 2b are in the Figure 1a , 1b , 2a , 2b designated with the same reference symbols.

[0073] The Figure 2b shows variant 110 of a monitoring system according to the Figure 2a with an oxygen sensor 68 and a carbon dioxide sensor 64, wherein the monitoring system 110 is arranged directly on the breathing mask 20 without a measuring gas line 10 or is designed as part of the breathing mask 20. A PM pump as in the variants according to the Figure 1a , 1b , 2aThe transport of quantities of breathing gas from the breathing mask 20 to the sensor 60 may be omitted if necessary. If, optionally, quantities of gas from the cabin or cockpit are also to be transported to the sensor, the arrangement according to the Figure 2b An optional pump 56 is arranged in or on the sensor. For the sake of clarity, the arrangement of such an optional pump 56 in the monitoring system 110 is not shown.

[0074] In the Figure 2b This is exemplary – in a similar form also as an optional component of the designs according to the Figure 1a , 2a , 3 , 4 , 5To understand - an energy storage device 85 is shown. Such an energy storage device 85, configured as a primary battery or rechargeable battery (accumulator), is suitable for powering the various components (60, 70, 40, 44, 75) of the monitoring systems 110, 108 ( Figure 4 ), 109 ( Figure 5 ), 100 ( Figure 1a , Figure 1b , Figure 2a , Figure 3 ) to supply with electrical energy. In the Figure 1b is - in a similar form also as an optional component of the configurations according to the Figure 1a , 2a , 3 , 4 , 5To understand this, an optional configuration with an additional display element 45 arranged on or in the mask 20 is shown. This additional display element 45 is connected to the control unit 70 by means of signal or data lines (not shown for clarity). This additional display element 45 can be used in addition to or as an alternative to the display element 44. The configuration of the additional display element can be, for example, in the form of an in-mask display or a head-up display. Figure 2a Figure 90 additionally shows a data interface, which can be configured to receive data from external sources and then provide this data to the control unit 70. For the sake of clarity, the data lines associated with the data interface are shown in the figure. Figure 2aas well as the other figures not shown. On the other hand, measured values ​​from the monitoring system 100 or the sensor 60 can be made available externally via the data interface 90. Thus, current environmental parameters or situational parameters relating to the aircraft's or flying machine's status can be received via this data interface 90 – for example, from components of the aircraft or flying machine – and made available to the control unit 70 for consideration in the processing of measured values ​​and / or in the control of the PM 50 pump. Furthermore, measured values ​​and / or measured quantities or parameters derived from the measured values, as well as information or status data, can be made available by the control unit 70 to components of the aircraft or flying machine via the data interface.In this way, it is possible, for example, to display measured values ​​and / or measured quantities or parameters derived from the measured values, as well as information or status data, on external display elements of the aircraft or flying device. The data interface can be unidirectional or bidirectional, for example, wired (CAN bus, LAN, Ethernet, RS485, NMEA183) or wireless (WLAN, Bluetooth, NFC). Examples of current environmental parameters for an aircraft or flying device's environment include: Ambient pressure outside the cockpit or cabin of the aircraft or flying machine; Ambient temperature inside the cockpit or cabin of the aircraft or flying machine; Gas composition inside the cockpit or cabin of the aircraft or flying machine; Absolute and / or relative humidity inside the cockpit or cabin of the aircraft or flying machine; Density and / or ambient pressure inside the cockpit or cabin of the aircraft or flying machine; Ambient temperature inside the cockpit or cabin of the aircraft or flying machine; Gas composition inside the cockpit or cabin of the aircraft or flying machine; Ambient pressure outside the cockpit or cabin of the aircraft or flying machine; Ambient temperature outside the cockpit or cabin of the aircraft or flying machine; Gas composition outside the cockpit or cabin of the aircraft or flying machine; Absolute and / or relative humidity outside the cockpit or cabin of the aircraft orAircraft density and / or ambient pressure outside the cockpit or cabin of the aircraft or aircraft; ambient temperature outside the cockpit or cabin of the aircraft or aircraft; gas composition outside the cockpit or cabin of the aircraft or aircraft; pressure level, pressure profile, pressure-time profile, pressure differences, pressure fluctuations in breathing gas, breathing gas mixture or breathing air supplied to the pilot or co-pilot; pressure level, pressure profile, pressure differences, pressure fluctuations in the provision of on-board equipment (e.g. gas tanks, pressurized oxygen cylinders, air intake, gas processing, filtration, gas delivery) for breathing gas, breathing gas mixture or breathing air.

[0075] Examples of situational or current situational parameters relating to the situation of the aircraft or flying machine include: a flight direction, a flight altitude, a flight axis position, a flight attitude, for example inverted flight, turning flight, dive, descent, climb, an airspeed, a flight direction, a horizontal acceleration, a vertical acceleration, a yaw angle or a roll angle, a remaining supply of oxygen or air, a remaining supply of compressed oxygen gas or compressed air.

[0076] The Figure 3 shows a monitoring system 100 according to Figure 1a , 1b , 2a with the special feature that an input element 80 is arranged on the monitoring system with a signal or data connection to the control unit 70. Identical elements in the Figure 1a , 1b , 1c, 2 , 3 are in the Figure 1a , 1b , 1c, 2 , 3with the same reference symbols. Via this input element 80, the pilot or co-pilot is able to mark specific events or situations during flight operations, as well as specific personal events, situations, or symptoms, such as fever, rapid heartbeat, or dizziness, over the course of the mission. This marking can be used by the control unit 70 to combine the events or situations with time information and then store the combination of time information, event, or situation in a data memory 75. The data memory 75 can be configured as volatile or non-volatile memory (RAM, ROM, EEPROM) and can be integrated as a fixed component or as a removable memory module (USB stick, SD card) in or on the monitoring system 100, 110 ( Figure 2b) arranged. It may also be possible to provide and / or exchange the data with an external evaluation unit – not shown in the figures – for example, by means of a data interface 90 in a similar configuration to that shown in the Figure 2bThis input element 80 is shown and described. It can thus serve to supplement the recorded measured values ​​from the sensor 60 and the events and situations of flight operations with further information provided by the pilot, aircraft pilot, or co-pilot via the input element, and to add a time stamp, for example. However, the input element can also be configured as a panic button, which allows the pilot, aircraft pilot, or co-pilot to immediately signal for help in a situation they perceive as particularly dangerous, such as a situation with a particular, objectively or subjectively perceived danger or a risk situation. The marked measured values ​​and / or events, situations, and also the special situations can be made available externally, for example, via the data interface 90, and if necessary...The data can also be transmitted directly (online) via the aircraft's or flying device's communication system to a ground station or to other aircraft or flying devices. Furthermore, the marked measured values ​​and / or events, situations, and special circumstances can be evaluated after the operation (offline) using the data storage device 75 and / or the data interface 90.

[0077] The Figures 4 and 5 show variants of the monitoring systems 100, 110 according to the Figure 1a , 1b , 2a , 2b , 3 with further components of the sensor system 60. The associated control lines or signal and data lines for the further sensors of the sensor system 60 are shown in the following for the sake of clarity. Figures 4 and 5 not shown. Same elements in the Figure 1a , 1b , 1c, 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 are in the Figure 1a , 1b , 1c, 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 with the same reference symbols. These additional sensors in sensor system 60 can be used to determine current environmental parameters inside and / or outside the cockpit or cabin of the aircraft or flying machine, and / or to determine current situational parameters and situations, as well as to determine physical properties and the composition of the breathing gas. Further components of sensor system 60 are included in monitoring system 108. Figure 4 exemplary, which also serve as optional design options for the Figure 1a , 1b , 2a , 2b , 3 , 5 To be understood, the following additional sensors are shown: at least one accelerometer 61 in the form of a 2- or 3-axis accelerometer at least one compass sensor 62, for example an electronic compass, gyrocompass or fluxgate compass at least one altitude sensor 58 at least one gyro sensor 63.

[0078] Other components of the sensor system 60 are included in the Figure 5 exemplary, which also serve as optional design options for the Figure 1a , 1b , 2a , 2b , 3 , 4 To be understood, the following additional sensors are shown: at least one temperature sensor 69, 69' at least one pressure sensor 67, 67' at least one humidity sensor 59, 59'

[0079] The additional sensors in the sensor assembly 60 can be configured as pressure sensors, which are designed and intended to measure ambient pressure, in particular pressure or density, inside and / or outside the cockpit or cabin of the aircraft or flying machine, and to provide this information to the control unit 70. The additional sensors in the sensor assembly 60 can be configured as temperature sensors, which are designed and intended to measure ambient temperature, in particular temperature inside and / or outside the cockpit or cabin of the aircraft or flying machine, and to provide this information to the control unit 70.These additional sensors in the sensor assembly 60 can be configured as humidity sensors for detecting absolute or relative humidity of the environment. They can be designed and intended to measure humidity in the environment, particularly inside and / or outside the cockpit or cabin of the aircraft or flying machine, and to provide this information to the control unit 70. The additional sensors in the sensor assembly 60 can also be configured as at least one additional gas sensor 65 for detecting the gas composition of the environment. These additional sensors can be designed and intended to measure the gas composition in the environment, particularly inside and / or outside the cockpit or cabin of the aircraft or flying machine, and to provide this information to the control unit 70.Other gas sensors that can be used include electrochemical gas sensors, catalytic gas sensors, optical, infrared-optical gas sensors, photo-ionization gas sensors, solid-state electrolyte gas sensors, or semiconductor gas sensors. These sensors allow for the monitoring of breathing gas not only for the measurement of oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations, but also for other substances such as carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, residues, or combustion products. [A [missing text] in the...] Figure 4The switching valve 55 shown, for example configured as a valve module or as part of a valve module, enables the switching of quantities or partial quantities of gas samples between the gas inlet 51 and another gas connection 52. This makes it possible, on the one hand, to pump breathing gas from the breathing mask 20 to the sensor 60 using the PM 50 pump, and on the other hand, to pump quantities of gas or gas mixture from an environment 5 to the sensor 60 using the PM 50 pump and measure them using the sensor 60. The switching valve 55 is controlled by the control unit 70. Thus, outside air from outside the aircraft or aircraft, or inside air from the cabin or cockpit of the aircraft or aircraft, can be supplied via the other gas connection 52, and, alternately – with control by the control unit 70 – monitoring of gas concentrations in the breathing mask 20, cockpit, cabin, or outside air is possible.

[0080] The one in Figure 5 In the monitoring system 109, in addition to the further gas sensors 65 and sensors 59, 67, 69, the further sensors 59', 64', 68', 69' and at least one further gas sensor 65' shown are pneumatically or fluidically connected to a further pump PA 56. Identical elements in the Figure 1a , 1b , 1c, 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 are in the Figure 1a , 1b , 1c, 2 , 3 , 4 , 5Designated with the same reference numerals, this additional pump PA 56 allows the supply of gas from an environment 5 via an additional gas connection 53, for example, from outside air outside the aircraft or aircraft, or from inside air from the cabin or cockpit of the aircraft or aircraft. The additional pump PA 56 is controlled by the control unit 70. This allows outside air or inside air from the cabin or cockpit of the aircraft or aircraft to be supplied via the additional gas connection 53. This enables simultaneous monitoring of gas concentrations in the breathing mask 20 and gas concentrations in the cockpit, cabin, or outside air. Additional sensors in the sensor array 60 can be configured to measure the current status of the aircraft or aircraft.Thus, using data from an accelerometer 61, preferably designed as a 3-axis accelerometer in combination with an altimeter 58, gyro sensor 63 and optionally including information from a compass sensor 62, the control unit (70) can determine the current flight situation with altitude, direction, speed, acceleration, attitude in space (XYZ orientation) and flight situation or maneuver (e.g. climbing, descending, turning, approach, takeoff).

[0081] The Figure 6 shows a variant in modification of the Figure 3 , wherein the PM 50 pump or the gas transport module is arranged at a gas outlet 49 of the monitoring system 100'. This has - compared to the one in the Figure 3The variant shown, with the pump at the gas inlet of the monitoring system, has the advantage that no traces or contaminants from the PM 50 pump can enter the monitoring system 100', in particular the sensor 60 with a carbon dioxide sensor 64 and an oxygen sensor 68. The same elements in the Figure 1a , 1b , 1c, 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 are in the Figure 1a , 1b , 1c, 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6Designated with the same reference numerals. Preferably, components that may be necessary for controlling the PM 50 pump and supplying quantities of gas are arranged in the immediate vicinity of the PM 50 pump. For this purpose, a pressure sensor 47, a flow sensor 48, and a shut-off valve 57 are arranged close to the PM 50 pump. The flow sensor 48 serves to measure the flow rate delivered by the PM 50 pump. After passing through the PM 50 pump and flow sensor 48, the delivered quantity of gas escapes outside the monitoring system 100' into the environment 5. The pressure sensor 47 is arranged upstream in the gas flow relative to the shut-off valve 57 such that, when the shut-off valve 57 is closed, the pressure measurement, in the then flow-free state, can detect the mask pressure in the breathing mask 20, which is then identical to the pressure level at the gas inlet 51 and the pressure level in the measuring gas line 10.Alternatively, the pressure sensor can also be arranged in the gas flow near the gas inlet, on the measuring gas line 10, or near the gas sensors 60, 64, 68. A changeover valve 55 is provided at the gas inlet 51, which functions similarly to the changeover valve 55 in the... Figure 4The described system enables the switching of quantities or partial quantities of gas samples between the gas inlet 51 and a further gas connection 52. Preferably, the switching valve 55 is designed as a 3 / 2-way valve. This arrangement allows, on the one hand, breathing gas from the breathing mask 20 to the sensor 60 to be pumped at the gas inlet 51 using the PM 50 pump. On the other hand, it is also possible to use the PM 50 pump to deliver quantities of gas or gas mixture from an environment 5 through the further gas inlet 52 to the sensor 60 and to measure them using the sensor 60. The switching valve 55 is controlled by the control unit 70. Thus, outside air from outside the aircraft or aircraft, or inside air from the cabin or cockpit of the aircraft, can be supplied via the further gas connection 52, and, alternately—with control by the control unit 70—monitoring of gas concentrations in the breathing mask 20, cockpit, cabin, or outside air is possible.To protect the sensor 60 from moisture and condensate, which is supplied to the sensor 60 from the breathing mask 20 via the measuring gas line 10 by means of the PM 50 pump, a filter element (HME filter) 54 can be arranged in series in the measuring gas line 10 or at the outlet of the switching valve 55.

[0082] Instead of as in order 100 according to the Figure 3 The input element 80, designed in the form of a switching element, is in this embodiment 100' according to the Figure 6An accelerometer 61 is provided as an input element, which is designed and intended as an alternative actuation or input element for recording manual actions of the pilot. This alternative actuation or input element, or the accelerometer 61, enables the pilot or co-pilot to mark specific events or situations during flight operations, as well as specific personal events, situations, or symptoms, such as fever, rapid heartbeat, or dizziness, over the course of the mission. The control unit 70 can use this marking to combine the events or situations with time information and then store the combination of time information and event or situation in a data memory 75.The data storage device 75 can be configured as volatile or non-volatile memory (RAM, ROM, EEPROM) and can be arranged in or on the monitoring system 100' either as a fixed component or as a removable storage module (USB stick, SD card). It can also enable the provision and / or exchange of data with an external evaluation unit (not shown in the figures), for example, via a data interface 90 of a similar design to that shown in the [reference to be added]. Figure 2bThis alternative actuation or input element, or the accelerometer 61, can thus serve to supplement the measured values ​​of the sensor 60 and the events and situations of flight operations with further information provided by the pilot, co-pilot, or aircraft commander via the alternative actuation or input element, or the accelerometer 61, and to add time information, for example, in the form of a timestamp. It is also possible to configure the alternative actuation or input element, or the accelerometer 61, as a panic button, which allows the pilot, co-pilot, or aircraft commander to immediately signal for help in a situation they perceive as particularly dangerous, for example, a situation with a particular objective or subjectively perceived danger or a risk situation.The marked measured values ​​and / or events, situations, and special situations can be made available externally via data interface 90 and, if necessary, transmitted directly (online) via a communication system of the aircraft or flying device to a ground station or to other aircraft or flying devices. Furthermore, subsequent (offline) evaluation of the marked measured values ​​and / or events, situations, and special situations after deployment is possible using data storage 75 and / or data interface 90.

[0083] The Figure 7 shows - in part as a detailed drawing of the area around the gas inlet 51 and in contrast to the Figure 6- a monitoring system 111 with an arrangement of filter element (HME filter) 54, PM pump 50, sensor 60, pressure sensor 47, flow sensor 48, shut-off valve 57 in an arrangement at the gas inlet 51 without a changeover valve for switching between monitoring the pilot's breathing gases and monitoring the cabin air. Identical elements in the Figure 1a , 1b , 1c, 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 are in the Figure 1a , 1b , 1c, 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7The pressure sensor 47 is designated with the same reference numerals. It is positioned upstream of the shut-off valve 57 in the gas flow such that, when the shut-off valve 57 is closed and the flow is paused, the pressure measurement can detect the mask pressure in the breathing mask 20, which is then identical to the pressure level at the gas inlet 51 and in the measuring gas line 10. Alternatively, the pressure sensor 47 can also be positioned in the gas flow near the gas inlet 51, at the measuring gas line 10, or near the sensor assembly 60 with the gas sensors.

[0084] The Figure 8 shows - in part as a detailed drawing of the area around the gas inlet 51 and in contrast to the Figure 6 and 7 - a monitoring system 111 with an arrangement of filter element (HME filter) 54, PM pump 50, sensor 60, pressure sensor 47 at the gas inlet 51 and a switching valve 55 in the configuration of a 3 / 2-way valve. Identical elements in the Figure 1a, 1b , 1c, 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 are in the Figure 1a , 1b , 1c, 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 designated with the same reference numerals. The switching valve 55 can open the path for gas quantities from an environment 5, such as the cabin, to the sensor 60, thus enabling cabin air monitoring. At the same time, the switching valve closes the path for gas quantities from the breathing mask 20. In this embodiment according to the Figure 8In addition to switching between measuring breathing gases and cabin air, the changeover valve 55 also functions as a shut-off valve for performing a pressure measurement maneuver in the breathing mask. The pressure sensor 47 is positioned relative to the changeover valve 55 and the measuring gas line 10 at the gas inlet 51 such that, when the changeover valve 55 is in cabin air monitoring mode, the pressure measurement can detect the mask pressure in the breathing mask 20, which is then identical to the pressure level at the gas inlet 51 and in the measuring gas line 10. The changeover valve 55 allows switching between monitoring the pilot's breathing gases and monitoring the cabin air.

[0085] The Figure 9 schematically shows a sequence 200 of a measurement maneuver for determining a pressure level in the breathing mask 20 ( Figure 6 ) with a monitoring system 100' after the Figure 6 . Same elements in the Figure 1a , 1b , 1c, 2 ,3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 are in the Figure 1a , 1b , 1c, 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 with the same reference numerals. Starting with a start 201, the measuring maneuver is carried out in a step sequence to an end 210 in a configuration with a shut-off valve (flow-lock valve) 57 ( Figure 6 ) from control unit 70 ( Figure 6 ) performed. After START 201, pump PM 50 is deactivated 202 ( Figure 6 ), thereby or with a slight time delay, the shut-off valve 57 is closed ( ). Figure 6 ). The flow is therefore in the measuring gas line 10 ( Figure 6 ), and the sensor technology 60 ( Figure 6) thus enters a resting state. A first measurement process, a pressure measurement 204, is carried out to determine the static pressure level. Subsequently, the shut-off valve 57 opens 205 ( Figure 6 ) and an activation 206 of the PM 50 pump ( Figure 6 The PM 50 pump ( Figure 6 ) begins, with a defined flow rate in the range of 50 ml / min to 100 ml / min quantities of gas from the breathing mask 20 ( Figure 6 ) through the measuring gas line 10 ( Figure 6 ) and the sensor technology 60 ( Figure 6 ) to draw in. A flow measurement 207 is taken with the flow sensor 48 to control and monitor the delivery rate ( Figure 6 ). Subsequently, a further measurement process, a pressure measurement 208, is carried out to determine the dynamic pressure level.

[0086] From the pressure readings of the first pressure measurement 204 and the subsequent pressure measurement 208, a differential value is determined 209, which indicates the current pressure drop across the pneumatic system. This brings the measurement procedure to an end 210. The differential value thus determined can then be provided and used to determine the mask pressure during the further operation of the monitoring system in the aircraft's service. REFERENCE MARK LIST

[0087] 5 Environment, atmosphere, outside air, cockpit or cabin 10 Measuring gas line 20 Breathing mask 21 Gas connection to breathing mask 24, 25 Hose lines 23, 23' Connection element 29 Exhalation valve 40 Operating elements 44, 45 Display elements 46 Wireless interface, radio interface 47 Pressure sensor 48 Flow sensor (Delta-P sensor) 49 Gas outlet 50 Gas delivery module, PM pump 51 Gas inlet 52, 53 Additional gas connection 54 Filter element (HME filter) 55 Diverter valve (3 / 2-way valve), valve module 56 Additional PA pump 57 Shut-off valve (Flow-Lock valve) 58 Altitude sensor (Altimeter) 59, 59' Humidity sensor 60 Sensors 61 Accelerometer 62 Compass sensor 63 Gyro sensor 64, 64' Carbon dioxide sensor 65 Additional gas sensor 66 Sensor 67, 67' Pressure sensor 68, 68' Oxygen sensor 69, 69' Temperature sensor 70 Control unit 80 Input element 90 Data interface 99 Person, pilot, aircraft operator 100, 100' Monitoring system 108, 109, 110, 111, 112 Monitoring system 200 Sequence of measurement maneuver 201 Start,START 202 Pump: Deactivation 203 Shut-off valve: Close valve 204 First pressure measurement: Static pressure level 205 Shut-off valve: Open valve 206 Pump: Activation 207 Flow measurement 208 Further pressure measurement: Dynamic pressure level 209 Determination of the current pressure drop value 210 End, STOP,

Claims

1. Monitoring system (100, 100', 108, 109, 111, 112) for monitoring a gas composition of air, breathing air or breathing gases in aircraft, which monitoring system comprises - a control unit (70) having a module (50) for gas transport, and - a sensor system (60) having - an oxygen sensor, - a carbon dioxide sensor, - a through-flow sensor, wherein the module for gas transport has a pump PM which is arranged at a gas outlet (49) of the monitoring system (100') and, by means of a measuring gas line (10) which forms a connection between a measuring point of a breathing mask (20) and a gas inlet (51) of the monitoring system (100'), is designed to convey amounts or partial amounts of breathing gas or breathing air from the measuring point of the breathing mask (20) to the sensor system (60), wherein the sensor system comprises measuring modules having • a paramagnetic oxygen sensor (68) for qualitative and quantitative measurement-related detection of a concentration of oxygen O2, • an infrared optical carbon dioxide sensor (64) for qualitative and quantitative measurement-related detection of a concentration of carbon dioxide CO2, • a flow sensor or through-flow sensor designed as a differential pressure sensor having a flow diaphragm (48), wherein the control unit (70) is designed, by means of the flow sensor or through-flow sensor (48), to control the module (50) for gas transport to convey amounts or partial amounts of breathing gas or breathing air to the sensor system, and is designed for organization, control or open-loop or closed-loop control of a process for measurement-related monitoring of the gas composition of air, breathing air or breathing gases in aircraft.

2. Monitoring system (100, 100', 108, 109, 111, 112) according to claim 1, characterized in that the module for gas transport (50) has a piezoelectrically operated pump PM.

3. Monitoring system (100, 108, 109, 110) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that - qualitative and quantitative measurement-related detection of a concentration of a further gas, in particular of a concentration of carbon monoxide, is made possible by means of the sensor system (60) and / or - the sensor system (60) has at least one further gas sensor (65, 65' 64', 68'), in particular a carbon monoxide sensor (65, 65').

4. Monitoring system (100, 100', 108, 109, 111, 112) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (70) is designed to take at least one environmental parameter and / or at least one situational parameter into account and / or to include at least one environmental parameter and / or at least one situational parameter in the process when controlling the process of the measurement-related monitoring.

5. Monitoring system (100, 100', 108, 109, 111, 112) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that • the monitoring system (100, 108, 109, 110) has a data interface (90) for receiving and / or providing environmental parameters and / or situational parameters and / or • the sensor system (60) has further sensors (61, 62, 63, 64, 64', 65, 67, 67' 58, 58') for determination and / or measurement-related detection of environmental parameters and / or for determination and / or measurement-related detection of situational parameters, and the sensor system (60) is designed to provide the environmental parameters and / or situational parameters.

6. Monitoring system (100, 100', 108, 109, 111, 112) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that an HME filter element (54) is arranged in the measuring gas line (10), at the gas inlet (51) or on the module for gas transport (50).

7. Monitoring system (100, 100', 108, 109, 111, 112) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that a further gas connection (52) having a switching valve (55) and a further pump (56) is arranged in the monitoring system (100, 100', 108, 109, 111, 112) or in or on the module (50) for gas transport.

8. Monitoring system (100, 100', 108, 109, 111, 112) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (70) is designed to take at least one environmental parameter and / or at least one situational parameter into account and / or to include at least one environmental parameter and / or at least one situational parameter in the control when controlling the module (50) for gas transport.

9. Monitoring system (100, 100', 108, 109, 111, 112) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that • the control unit (70) is designed to determine and / or detect an alarm situation and to organize an alert or issue of an alarm and / or to provide an alarm signal, and • the control unit (70) is designed to take an environmental parameter and / or a situational parameter into account and / or to include an environmental parameter and / or a situational parameter in the organization of the alert when organizing the alert or the issue of the alarm or when providing the alarm signal.

10. Monitoring system (100, 100', 108, 109, 111, 112) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that • at least one operating element (44) for operating the monitoring system is arranged in or on the monitoring system (100, 100', 108, 109, 111, 112) or is assigned to the monitoring system (100, 100', 108, 109, 111, 112) and / or • at least one display element for displaying the following is arranged in or on the monitoring system ((100, 100', 108, 109, 111, 112): - events, situations, status data, current measured values, - past measured values, - measured variables derived from the measured values, such as maximum or minimum values, mean values, trends, statistics, events, alarm situations, or is assigned to the monitoring system (100, 100', 108, 109, 111, 112) and / or • an input element (80) is arranged in or on the monitoring system (100, 100', 108, 109, 111, 112), wherein the input element (80) is designed to allow the user to initiate, annotate, trigger, start or end certain situations, defined actions or states on the monitoring system and / or • a data memory for storing measured values of measured variables derived from the measured values, such as maximum or minimum values, mean values, trends, statistics, events, alarm situations, is arranged in or on the monitoring system (100, 100', 108, 109, 111, 112) or is assigned to the monitoring system (100, 108, 109, 110).

11. Monitoring system (100, 100', 108, 109, 111, 112) according to claim 10, characterized in that the input element (80) is formed by an accelerometer (61).

12. Monitoring system (100, 100', 108, 109, 111, 112) according to any of claims 5 to 11, characterized in that • the control unit (70) is designed to take an environmental parameter and / or a situational parameter into account and / or to include an environmental parameter and / or a situational parameter in an adaptation of the signal processing when performing the signal processing and / or signal filtering of the measured values of the sensor system and / or • the control unit (70) is designed to use predetermined threshold values when organizing the alert, which threshold values may be stored in the data memory of the monitoring system for certain values of gas concentrations, in particular concentrations of oxygen, carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide and / or • the control unit (70) is designed to implement an early warning system for hypoxia detection on the basis of current and past measured values of the sensor system (60), by means of: - a decision matrix - or adapted algorithms - or adaptive or self-learning algorithms, wherein the control unit (70) is designed to take physiological data into account in the early warning system for hypoxia detection.

13. Monitoring system (100, 100', 108, 109, 111, 112) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (70), together with a pressure sensor (47), a shut-off valve (57) and a data memory (75), is designed to determine a current pressure level in the breathing mask (20).

14. Monitoring system (100, 100', 108, 109, 111, 112) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit is designed, by means of a measurement maneuver (200), - to determine a static pressure level and a dynamic pressure level, - to determine an offset pressure level on the basis of the static pressure level and dynamic pressure level, - to take into account the dynamic pressure level when determining a current pressure level in the breathing mask (20), wherein the control unit is designed to take information regarding breathing phases of the pilot into account when performing the measurement maneuver (200) during the measurement-related detection and / or determination of the static pressure measured value and / or of the dynamic pressure measured value.

15. Method for operating a monitoring system (100, 100', 108, 109, 111, 112) according to any of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that, by means of the control unit (70), - activation of the sensor system (60) of the monitoring system (100, 108, 109, 110) is carried out in a first step, - preparation of data storage including initializing a data memory (75) is carried out in a second step, - measurement-related detection of measured values of the sensor system (60) is carried out in a third step, - data storage of the measured values (60), together with associated time information, in the data memory (75) is carried out, wherein, during the data storage of the measured values of the sensor system (60), together with the associated time information, additional storage of situational parameters and / or environmental parameters is carried out and / or wherein, during activation of an input element (80), an additional detection, independent of the open-loop time control, of the measured values of the sensor system (60) is carried out at the time of the activation of the input element (80).