Method for assessing the level of fatigue of an operator and associated assessment system

Abstract

Method for evaluating the fatigue level of an operator and associated evaluation system The present invention relates to a method for evaluating the fatigue level of an operator, the method comprising the following steps implemented by a transportable evaluation device (12): - identification (110) of the operator; - acquisition or determination (120) of contextual data relating to the context in which the evaluation is implemented; - acquisition (130) of physiological data of the operator; the method further comprising the following steps: - analysis (140) of all the acquired or determined data to determine a fatigue level of the operator; - communication (150) of the determined fatigue level. Figure for abstract: Figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: Method for evaluating the fatigue level of an operator and associated evaluation system

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for evaluating the fatigue level of an operator.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a system for evaluating the level of operator fatigue which implements this method.

[0003] The invention lies in the technical field of collecting data from an operator and determining the operator's fatigue.

[0004] The operator operates, for example, in a critical operational context. In other words, operator fatigue in this critical context can lead to significant consequences. This is particularly the case in the aeronautical, aerospace, nuclear, medical, etc. fields.

[0005] In the aeronautical field, in order to mitigate the risks induced by fatigue, particularly of a pilot in commercial aviation, airlines are implementing procedures aimed at measuring and controlling the fatigue of flight personnel (FRMS for “Fatigue Risk Management System” in English).

[0006] These measures include subjective assessments of fatigue perceived by operators, in the form of spontaneous self-reports. These statements are based on personal feelings that may be biased by cultural, professional or operational factors.

[0007] The state of the art already offers some techniques for assessing operator fatigue.

[0008] These solutions are mainly based on biomathematical models which are adapted to interactions in operational use. They aim in particular to raise alerts in the event of detection of a high level of fatigue and provide limited data on the context of the measurements.

[0009] Furthermore, these solutions are mainly intended for individual monitoring and do not allow the centralization and cross-referencing of data on a population scale.

[0010] The present invention aims to remedy these drawbacks by proposing a solution which makes it possible to objectively evaluate the level of fatigue of an operator, then to identify factors influencing the evolution of his level of fatigue and more broadly, of a population to which he belongs.

[0011] To this end, the invention aims at providing a method for evaluating the level of fatigue of an operator, the method comprising the following steps implemented by a device transportable assessment:

[0012] - operator identification;

[0013] - acquisition or determination of contextual data relating to the context in which the assessment is implemented;

[0014] - acquisition of physiological data from the operator;

[0015] the method further comprising the following steps:

[0016] - analysis of all the data acquired or determined to determine a operator fatigue level;

[0017] - communication of the determined fatigue level.

[0018] The method according to the invention thus makes it possible not only to objectively evaluate the fatigue of an operator but also to identify, contextualize, then centralize the measurements carried out for the purpose of cross-referencing on a population scale.

[0019] The invention thus makes it possible to collect and process fatigue-related data and contextual data centrally at the scale of a population. This then makes it possible to have a global view of the entire population and thus to take fatigue into account effectively in order to plan the activities and missions of operators.

[0020] According to other advantageous embodiments of the invention, the method comprises one or more of the following characteristics, taken individually or in combination according to all technically possible combinations:

[0021] - the operator identification step comprises the implementation of at least one of the following techniques:

[0022] - entry of a unique personal code;

[0023] - reading from an external physical or digital medium;

[0024] - entering an identifier or password;

[0025] - recognition of a biometric fingerprint;

[0026] - the contextual data comprises at least one type of data chosen from the group including:

[0027] - data relating to the operator's environment;

[0028] - operational data relating to activities carried out by the operator;

[0029] - physiological data of the operator;

[0030] - contextual data is entered by the operator and / or acquired from a external device and / or generated by the transportable evaluation device;

[0031] - the step of acquiring physiological data from the operator is implemented at from measurements provided by a plurality of sensors integrated into the transportable evaluation device;

[0032] - the physiological data acquisition step comprises at least one of sub- next steps:

[0033] - checking the operating status of the sensors;

[0034] - synchronization of sensors;

[0035] - monitoring of the quality of the measured signal;

[0036] - alert in the event of failure of one or more sensors;

[0037] - the step of acquiring physiological data from the operator is implemented during an operator activity other than interaction with the transportable assessment device, preferably for a predetermined minimum duration;

[0038] - the operator fatigue level is determined by one or more algorithms of processing of physiological data and advantageously contextual data;

[0039] - the step of communicating the fatigue level includes the display of this level fatigue to the operator and / or the transfer of this level of fatigue to an external device;

[0040] - the method further comprises a step of secure transfer of the acquired data and / or determined at least one of the elements chosen from the group comprising:

[0041] - an external storage device;

[0042] - a mobile device with storage capacity;

[0043] - a central server;

[0044] - another transportable evaluation device;

[0045] - the method further comprises a step of analyzing the operation of the system transportable assessment comprising the verification of at least one element chosen from the group comprising:

[0046] - available storage space;

[0047] - calculation performance;

[0048] - status of an internal battery;

[0049] - connectivity with a central server and / or with another trans device assessment laptop;

[0050] - operating status of the hardware or software components implemented when a malfunction is detected;

[0051] - the method further comprises a step of updating at least part of the transportable evaluation device chosen from the group comprising:

[0052] - software implemented by the transportable evaluation device;

[0053] - data processing algorithms for determining the level of fatigue;

[0054] - the nature of the contextual data.

[0055] The invention also relates to a system for evaluating the level of fatigue of an operator, comprising means configured to implement the method as defined above.

[0056] These characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the description which follows, given solely as a non-limiting example, and made with reference to the attached drawings in which: - [Fig.l] [Fig.l] is a schematic view of an evaluation system according to the invention; - [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic view of a transportable device assessment forming part of the assessment system of [Fig.l]; - [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a flowchart of an evaluation process according to the invention, the method being implemented by the evaluation system of [Fig.l]; and - [Fig.4][Fig.5][Fig.6] Figures 4 to 6 are different illustrations of the implementation implementation of at least some steps of the method of [Fig.4].

[0057] [Fig.l] in fact illustrates a system 10 for evaluating the level of fatigue of an operator.

[0058] Advantageously, the evaluation system 10 can be used in the aeronautical field. In such a case, the operator is part of the flight crew, in particular the commercial flight crew. According to other examples, the operator is part of the flight planning operators or the maintenance operators or the aircraft control operators or the air traffic controllers.

[0059] Advantageously, the operator is a pilot capable of piloting an aircraft.

[0060] By aircraft is meant any flying machine that can be controlled from its cockpit, as is the case for example with an airplane or a helicopter, or at a distance from it, as is the case for example with a drone.

[0061] Generally speaking, the concept of operator can apply to any other person carrying out a critical mission, for example in the field of transport (rail or heavy goods vehicles for example) or in the nuclear or space field, or in medicine.

[0062] As indicated previously, the operator carries out a mission which is determined by the field of his activity.

[0063] In particular, the operator's mission includes a plurality of tasks defined according to the operator's skills.

[0064] When the operator is an aircraft pilot, his mission generally consists of piloting the aircraft from a departure point to a destination point.

[0065] The evaluation system 10 according to the invention makes it possible to determine the operator's fatigue level.

[0066] With reference to [Fig.l], the evaluation system 10 comprises at least one transportable evaluation device 12 and a central server 14 communicating with this transportable evaluation device 12.

[0067] In some embodiments, the evaluation system 10 comprises a plurality of transportable evaluation devices 12. In the example of [Fig.l], two transportable evaluation devices 12 are illustrated.

[0068] The central server 14 has, for example, one or more computers which are adapted to communicate with the or each transportable evaluation device 12 in a secure manner.

[0069] The communication can for example be implemented via a direct connection between this server 14 and the or each transportable evaluation device 12 via for example one of the wired or wireless interfaces known per se (WIFI, Bluetooth, Ethernet, IR, etc.).

[0070] Alternatively, communication can be done via a removable storage medium such as a USB key, external hard drive or any other mobile device having storage capacity, such as a connected watch.

[0071] Alternatively, communication may be via an internet connection or any other global or local network.

[0072] The central server 14 also has a certain computing capacity allowing in particular to execute applications which are for example stored in its memory.

[0073] Finally, the central server 14 has a data storage capacity making it possible to collect data from all of the transportable evaluation devices 12 and to keep them for a predetermined storage time.

[0074] [Fig.2] illustrates in more detail a possible example of embodiment of a transportable evaluation device 12.

[0075] Thus, and as shown in this [Fig.2], the transportable evaluation device 12 has a housing 20 integrating different internal components of this transportable evaluation device 12.

[0076] In particular, the housing 20 is for example in the form of a suitcase or any other object that can be easily transported. In the example of [Fig. 2], the housing 12 is composed of two half-shells 22, 24. The housing 20 may also comprise any other device facilitating its transportation such as for example a handle, wheels, etc.

[0077] At least one of the half-shells, for example the half-shell 24, then forms an opening in the housing 20. This half-shell 24 is movable between a closed position and an open position. In the open position, illustrated in [Fig. 2], the half-shell 24 then allows at least partial access to the internal components of the transportable evaluation device 12.

[0078] Generally, the housing 20 comprises a plurality of components accessible by the operator when the half-shell 24 is in its open position and a plurality of components inaccessible by the operator in any position of the half-shell 24.

[0079] Among the components accessible by the operator, the transportable evaluation device 12 notably comprises means of interaction with the operator and a plurality of sensors.

[0080] The means of interaction with the operator comprise in particular visual interaction means such as a screen 30 and auditory interaction means such as for example a loudspeaker 32. The screen 30 and the loudspeaker 32 are for example integrated into an interior surface of the half-shell 22 which is intended to be protected by the half-shell 24 when the latter is in its closed position.

[0081] The plurality of sensors includes any sensor capable of acquiring physiological data from the operator.

[0082] In particular, in the example of [Fig.2], the plurality of sensors comprises a camera 40 configured to acquire images of the operator and a sensor 42 for measuring the operator's heart rate.

[0083] The camera 40 is advantageously oriented towards the operator or has means allowing it to be oriented according to the position of the operator.

[0084] The operator's heart rate sensor 42 is advantageously removable from the housing 20, for example to be positioned around the operator's wrist.

[0085] For this purpose, the sensor 42 has, for example, a bracelet capable of being fixed to the operator's wrist and a sensitive part which is intended to measure the operator's heart rate when the bracelet is fixed to his wrist.

[0086] The measurement of the heart rate is carried out for example by the sensitive part by the technique called photoplethysmography, called PPG. Alternatively, the sensitive part is configured to carry out the measurement of the heart rate from an analysis of electrical response by the operator's wrist or by analysis of radar signals propagating in the operator's wrist.

[0087] In some examples, the sensor 42 is configured to measure other physiological parameters of the operator such as blood pressure, oxygen inspiration, sweating, dehydration rate.

[0088] For oxygen saturation, the sensor 42 is for example configured to emit towards the operator's skin and receive a light signal comprising at least two wavelengths. A first wavelength corresponding to a wavelength absorbed by saturated red blood cells, a second wavelength corresponding to a wavelength absorbed by unsaturated red blood cells. To determine the oxygen saturation, the sensor 42 is then configured to compare the light intensity received in response to each of the two wavelengths.

[0089] Generally speaking, the sensor 42 can be in the form of a connected watch which can then be stored in the case 20 when necessary or worn by the operator to, for example, measure his heart rate.

[0090] Of course, the aforementioned functionalities of the sensor 42 can form separate sensors which can then be arranged in any possible configuration inside the housing 20 or on a surface thereof.

[0091] The non-accessible components of the housing 20 are in particular arranged in the interior part of the housing 20, for example in the interior part of the half-shell 22 and include in particular a computer, a memory and a power supply module.

[0092] The calculator notably comprises a processor making it possible to execute a plurality of applications which are stored for example in the memory of the box.

[0093] The calculator further comprises means of communication with external devices, in particular with other transportable evaluation devices 12 or with the server 14.

[0094] The power supply module makes it possible to power all of the components of the transportable evaluation device 12. This module comprises, for example, a battery making it possible to power these components autonomously. This battery can be associated with a charging device making it possible to connect the battery to an electrical network to recharge it.

[0095] The evaluation system 10 makes it possible to implement an evaluation method according to the invention which will now be explained with reference to [Fig.3] presenting a flowchart of its steps.

[0096] It is first considered that the transportable evaluation device 12 is arranged in front of the operator.

[0097] When this transportable evaluation device 12 is in the form of a suitcase, the half-shell 24 is then in an open position so that the operator can access the screen 30 and the plurality of sensors of this device 12.

[0098] When the sensor 42 is in the form of a watch, the operator then puts it on his wrist.

[0099] It is also considered that the camera 40 is oriented towards the operator.

[0100] The operation of the device 12 is for example activated by a button or any other control provided for this purpose when the half-shell 24 is opened.

[0101] The evaluation method comprises an initial step 110 consisting of identifying the operator by the transportable evaluation device 12.

[0102] To do this, and prior to implementing the method, the operator is assigned an identification code. This identification code makes it possible to associate the data collected by the device 12 during the following steps with the given operator. Advantageously, the identification code is associated with the given operator in an anonymized manner. In other words, any information collected and associated with this identification code does not make it possible to identify the operator. Alternatively, the data collected are anonymized only before sending this data to the central server 14.

[0103] To identify the operator, several solutions are possible.

[0104] According to a first exemplary embodiment, the identification of the operator comprises entering a unique personal code which is then associated with the operator.

[0105] This entry can be made via an entry interface adapted for this purpose or via a pointing device coupled to a numeric keyboard. To implement this technique, it is necessary to organize in advance the allocation of unique identification codes to all the operators likely to use the transportable evaluation device 12, without keeping a trace of the allocations for the anonymity of these operators.

[0106] According to a second example, the identification of the operator is carried out via the reading of an external physical or digital medium. This external medium makes it possible, for example, to keep a unique personal code, possibly in an encrypted manner. The possible media include: - QR code if the transportable evaluation device 12 is equipped with a camera of sufficient resolution; - NFC support if the device 12 has a suitable reading sensor; - smart card if the device 12 has a suitable means of reading smart cards; - any other removable storage device such as a USB key, CD, etc. that the device 12 would be able to read.

[0107] To implement this solution, it is necessary to organize in advance distributions of physical or digital media to all operators likely to use the device 12 without keeping a trace of the attributions for the anonymity of the operators.

[0108] According to a third exemplary embodiment, identification is done by entering an identifier and a password adapted by the operator. This is possible when the device 12 has an input interface or a pointing device coupled to a numeric keyboard and a screen.

[0109] To implement this solution, each operator must register and then keep the password for future connections.

[0110] In some embodiments, the identifiers and associated passwords may be configured in advance by the device 12 itself. These elements may also be stored on the server 14 and redistributed to the device 12 upon its startup.

[0111] According to a fourth exemplary embodiment, the identification of the operator is done via recognition of a biometric fingerprint.

[0112] This may involve a method of fingerprint analysis, retinal scanning, facial or voice recognition or extraction of a distinctive signature from acquired physiological data. The distinctive signature may be formed by a signature of the heart rate, gestures, keyboard input, etc. In such a case, the transportable evaluation device 12 is equipped with one or more sensors making it possible to recognize such a biometric print.

[0113] Of course, the aforementioned examples allowing the identification of the operator can be combined with each other at least partially to form a secure identification technique preventing any identity theft.

[0114] The aforementioned identification techniques can also be reinforced by a multi-factor authentication procedure.

[0115] This multi-factor authentication procedure consists, for example, of sending a confirmation code to a personal device of the operator having access to the Internet. This solution is particularly feasible when the device 12 is itself also connected to the Internet or to any other similar network.

[0116] The method further comprises a step 120 during which the transportable evaluation device 12 acquires or determines contextual data.

[0117] Contextual data relates to the context in which the assessment is implemented.

[0118] This contextual data may include, for example, at least one type of data chosen from the group comprising: - data relating to the operator's environment; - operational data relating to activities carried out by the operator; - physiological data of the operator.

[0119] The operator's environment data may characterize the environment in which the evaluation is performed. This data may, for example, include a timestamp (i.e., time and date) of the evaluation, the geolocation of the location where the evaluation is performed, and the temperature and / or humidity and / or brightness and / or noise of the location in which the evaluation is performed.

[0120] The operational data relating to activities carried out by the operator may, for example, include a characterization of these activities (for example, the nature of the activities, their duration, etc.), difficulties experienced by the operator during these activities, the organization of the operator's rest time (for example, the duration of sleep, the number and duration of naps, the quality of sleep, etc.).

[0121] The collection of contextual data can be done in different ways, depending in particular on the nature of the data.

[0122] For example, at least some of this data may be entered directly by the operator, for example by means of a pointing or input device via the rem filling in the form displayed on the screen 30, or by means of a web page or mobile application associated with the device 12, or by oral responses to questions asked by the device 12. In the latter case, voice recognition of the responses spoken by the operator can be used.

[0123] At least some contextual data may also be acquired by the sensors of the transportable evaluation device 12 or collected from another system or device.

[0124] Thus, for example, it is possible to couple a connected watch or to share access to a digital diary, a sports application or a health data centralization application, to the device 12 to collect for example data for monitoring physical activities, monitoring sleep or helping with the organization of the operator.

[0125] It is also possible to couple the device 12 to the organization in charge of organizing the user's activities, for example to collect data relating to the planning of interventions, flight schedules, etc.

[0126] Finally, it is also possible to use a third-party information source such as an API application that presents a software interface for tracking commercial flights or weather reports.

[0127] The method further comprises a step 130 comprising the acquisition of physiological data of the operator by the transportable evaluation device 12.

[0128] This acquisition is done using the sensors integrated into the transportable evaluation device 12.

[0129] In certain embodiments, this step 130 comprises several sub-steps making it possible to ensure the proper functioning of the sensors.

[0130] Thus, for example, during a first sub-step 131 which is implemented before the collection of physiological data, the device 12 implements a verification of the sensors.

[0131] Thus, for example, when it is a removable sensor with respect to the device 12, it is appropriate to check its pairing with this device 12 as well as the state of its battery. It is also appropriate to check the compatibility of the software version and the configuration of the sensor. An update of the sensor can then be applied. An obsolete sensor can be inhibited during the measurement. Finally, during this sub-step 131, the initial state of the sensor can be restored so as not to pollute the acquisition of current data with those of a previous user of the device 12.

[0132] During a following sub-step 132, the device 12 synchronizes all of the sensors with its internal clock so that all of the acquired data are time-stamped with the same reference. The device 12 can also check the operating conditions of each sensor and in particular:

[0133] - the fact that the worn sensors are correctly installed by the user;

[0134] - the fact that the user adopts the correct posture and positions himself at the correct distance non-worn sensors such as camera 40;

[0135] - the fact that the sensors are not affected by pollution sources such as lights, noises, vibrations, etc. which may alter their operation.

[0136] The interfaces of the device 12 such as the screen 30 and / or the speaker 32 can then be used to accompany the user in the installation of these sensors and to inform him of the progress, success or failure of the installation. Then, the acquisition of physiological data can then be carried out.

[0137] During a sub-step 133 implemented during, for example, the acquisition of physiological data, the device 12 implements monitoring of the quality of the measured signal from each sensor.

[0138] More particularly, in this sub-step, the quality of the signals and the integrity of the sensors are regularly checked in order to inform the user in the event of deterioration of the acquisition conditions such as for example the position of the sensors worn, the position and posture of the user, the position of the signals, the malfunction of a sensor, the remaining autonomy, etc.

[0139] If a sensor is impacted by external conditions, it may be subject to an audible or visual warning from the operator.

[0140] The interfaces of the device 12 also make it possible to inform the operator of the progress of the acquisition of physiological data and to notify him when the data is collected. These interfaces can also assist the user in uninstalling the sensors and setting them in storage. For example, it is appropriate to check at this stage that the sensors operating on batteries are powered and to encourage the user to replace them on their possible bases, docking stations or storage cases.

[0141] When one or more sensors are faulty, the acquisition step 130 comprises a sub-step 134 during which an alert is sent to the operator.

[0142] Advantageously, the physiological data acquisition step 130 is implemented by the device 12 when the operator performs an activity which is different from the interaction with the transportable evaluation device 12.

[0143] For example, this step can be implemented when the operator debriefs his future activity with colleagues or other operators, or does a usual activity relating to his usual tasks.

[0144] In other words, the aim of this step is to measure the physiological data of the operator in his normal activity.

[0145] Also preferably, this step of acquiring physiological data is implemented according to a predetermined minimum duration. This minimum duration is by example equal to a few minutes, for example 5 minutes.

[0146] Advantageously, the end of this physiological data acquisition step can also be signaled by the device 12 via the appropriate interfaces.

[0147] For example, when the device 12 considers that the physiological data collected is sufficient to assess the operator's fatigue level, a corresponding warning can then be issued.

[0148] In the example described, the following steps are implemented by the transportable evaluation device 12. However, according to another embodiment, these steps can also be implemented by the central server 14 or by another transportable evaluation device 12. In such a case, the method further comprises a step of transmitting the contextual data acquired or determined during step 120 as well as the physiological data acquired during step 130 to the server 14 or to this other transportable evaluation device 12.

[0149] This transmission is carried out, for example, in a secure manner.

[0150] Also, advantageously according to the invention, before being sent, this data is anonymized if this has not been done previously.

[0151] In other words, before sending this data, the transportable evaluation device 12 can remove from this data any trace allowing the operator to be identified.

[0152] Advantageously, this data is transmitted with an anonymized identifier which makes it possible to determine that this data belongs to the same person in order to possibly supplement this data subsequently.

[0153] During the following step 140, the transportable evaluation device 12 analyzes all of the data acquired or determined during the previous steps, to determine a level of fatigue of the operator.

[0154] For this, the device 12 implements several algorithms for processing physiological data and contextual data. According to certain embodiments, the algorithms chosen to evaluate the operator's fatigue level depend on the nature of the data acquired or determined during the previous steps.

[0155] When this step is implemented by the transportable evaluation device 12, the determination of the fatigue level is carried out for example in real time.

[0156] Furthermore, the level of fatigue is advantageously associated with a value taken on a predetermined scale of values.

[0157] This predetermined scale can for example vary from 1 to 100 and the determined fatigue level then takes one of the values ​​in the interval from 1 to 100.

[0158] During the following step 150, the transportable evaluation device 12 communicates the level of fatigue determined for example to the operator or to any other interested person, such as for example a superior of the operator.

[0159] This communication comprises, for example, the display of the fatigue level determined on the screen 30 of the transportable evaluation device 12 and / or the transfer of this level to an external device.

[0160] When this fatigue level is displayed on the screen 30, it may, for example, be the subject of a particular display depending on the determined level. For example, different classes may be identified on the scale of possible fatigue levels. When the determined level falls into one of these classes, the display then takes on a form which is associated with this class.

[0161] Each class can, for example, correspond to a moderate, high or very high level of fatigue.

[0162] Furthermore, when the determined fatigue level falls into a particular class, for example into the class corresponding to the very high fatigue level, an alert can be raised.

[0163] In such a case, operational recommendations or countermeasures to be applied can be displayed to the operator to reduce this level or to avoid certain future tasks.

[0164] During the following step 160, which is implemented when the transportable evaluation device 12 has itself determined the operator's fatigue level, it transfers the acquired and / or determined data (including the fatigue level) to at least one of the elements chosen from the group comprising: - an external storage device; - a mobile device with storage capacity such as a cell phone or a smart watch; - the remote server 14; - another transportable evaluation device 12.

[0165] The transfer carried out by the device 12 is supervised and the operator can be informed of its progress, its failure and its success.

[0166] If a data item is successfully transferred, it is advantageously deleted from the transportable evaluation device 12. In the event of a transfer failure, the data item is retained for a subsequent transfer attempt. In the event of consecutive failures, an alternative transfer mode may be applied.

[0167] Preferably, the transfer is ensured in real time, immediately at the end of the collection and determination of the corresponding data. The transfer can be triggered automatically or manually.

[0168] When the transfer is made to the central server 14, this transfer must be secured in a particular manner.

[0169] For example, a first countermeasure applicable to secure this transfer is IP address filtering which only authorizes the transfer from authorized connections. beforehand. This solution is simple to implement.

[0170] A second countermeasure consists of protecting the transfer by authentication. If the transfer is carried out in real time or immediately after the collection and determination of the corresponding data, the authentication is based on the password provided by the user. If the transfer is triggered automatically during a period of inactivity of the device 12, the authentication is based on the password stored on it.

[0171] The method may further comprise an optional step 170 of analyzing the operation of the transportable evaluation system 12. This analysis is for example implemented by the device 12 itself or by the central server 14 or another transportable evaluation device 12.

[0172] This step 170 is for example implemented when the device 12 is not used by the operator, for example after the fatigue level of this operator has been determined. This step makes it possible to identify cases of breakdown or to anticipate the maintenance needs of the device 12.

[0173] More particularly, during this step, the verification of at least one element chosen from the following group can be carried out: - available storage space; - calculation performance (duration, precision, relevance of the result); - integrity of sensors (in case of failure, loss of battery life); - duration of data transfers; - status of an internal battery; - connectivity with the central server 14 or another transportable evaluation device 12.

[0174] Following the implementation of this analysis step, maintenance actions can be carried out if necessary. This may be, for example, a specific intervention on a system or a planned generic maintenance action (for example, deleting the oldest data stored on the device if storage space is limited).

[0175] In certain embodiments, the method further comprises a step 180 of updating at least a part of the transportable evaluation device 12. This part is advantageously chosen from the group comprising: - software implemented by the device 12; - data processing algorithms to determine the level of fatigue; - the nature of the contextual data.

[0176] For example, the update may adapt the nature of the contextual data acquired or determined during step 120.

[0177] Furthermore, in the case of a deployment of a large number of transportable evaluation devices 12 on different operational sites, it is appropriate to implement an automated update distribution solution, with minimal impact on the availability of these devices. Furthermore, since the devices can cover different use cases, it is necessary to control the software version applied and the deployment window for these updates.

[0178] In such a case, for example an OTA (over the air) type update can be done according to the following sub-steps:

[0179] - deployment of software components on a distribution server (for example the central server 14);

[0180] - definition of a subset of versioned software components defining a consistent application delivery;

[0181] - testing in an application delivery validation environment;

[0182] - assignment of application delivery to the subset of devices 12 targeted by the deployment of this delivery;

[0183] - the device 12 regularly and spontaneously checks the availability of a new application delivery to be installed on the distribution server;

[0184] - the device 12 downloads the exhaustive list of software components and their respective versions to be installed from the distribution server;

[0185] - the device 12 archives the current version of each component to be updated, download and install the new version;

[0186] - the device 12 notifies the distribution server of the progress of the installation;

[0187] - if one of the components fails to install, the update is canceled and a return to the latest stable application version is carried out.

[0188] In addition, a deployment control interface can be coupled to the distribution server. It is thus possible to ensure the version currently installed on each system deployed on an operational site.

[0189] In certain embodiments, the method may also comprise a step 190 of analyzing the use of the device 12. This step is implemented to analyze the behavior of the operator in relation to the device, and this with the aim of making the use of the device more fluid and faster and also to improve the relevance of the data collected.

[0190] In particular, by observing the modes of use of the interfaces and the time required for each stage of data collection, it is possible to identify those which are the most tedious for the operator. The stages thus identified are then improved by means of an update.

[0191] This analysis can for example be done in three sub-steps:

[0192] - each action on an interface of the device 12 generates a trace;

[0193] - the traces are transferred to the central server 14;

[0194] - centralized data is cross-referenced to identify usage difficulties municipalities.

[0195] Figures 4 to 6 illustrate the result of implementing at least some steps of the method explained previously.

[0196] Thus, for example, [Fig.4] illustrates an example of the implementation of step 110 of the identification of the operator.

[0197] According to this example, the operator presents for example a QR code on a physical support in front of the camera 40 of the device 12. This QR code is then recognized and makes it possible to identify the operator. In such a case, the display on the screen 30 can be similar to [Fig.4],

[0198] [Fig.5] illustrates an example of the implementation of step 130 of the acquisition of the physiological data of the operator.

[0199] According to this example, the device 12 checks the positioning of the operator facing the camera 40.

[0200] When this positioning is correct, the screen 30 can display an image similar to that of [Fig.5].

[0201] Finally, [Fig.6] illustrates an example of the implementation of step 150 of communicating the determined fatigue level to the operator.

[0202] According to this figure, three fatigue classes are determined: - moderate, corresponding to zone ZI of [Fig.6]; - high, corresponding to zone Z2 of [Fig.6]; - very high, corresponding to zone Z3 of this [Fig.6].

[0203] The determined fatigue level can also be displayed (92 in the example of [Fig.6]) with the indication of the class to which it belongs.

[0204] It is therefore understood that the present invention has a certain number of advantages.

[0205] In particular, the invention allows the collection of data necessary and sufficient to measure a physiological state and the identification of possible external factors promoting or limiting this state.

[0206] The method according to the invention is scalable, adjustable to different systems and each step presented can be implemented by different techniques.

[0207] It should also be understood that the level of fatigue determined by this method should be understood broadly and also includes other physiological states such as stress level, mental load level, a measure of physical performance, etc.

[0208] Of course, other embodiments of the invention are also possible.

Claims

Claims

1. Method for evaluating the fatigue level of an operator, the method comprising the following steps implemented by a transportable evaluation device (12): - identification (110) of the operator; - acquisition or determination (120) of contextual data relating to the context in which the evaluation is implemented; - acquisition (130) of physiological data of the operator; the method further comprising the following steps: - analysis (140) of all the acquired or determined data to determine a fatigue level of the operator; - communication (150) of the determined fatigue level.

2. Method according to claim 1, in which the step of identifying (110) the operator comprises the implementation of at least one of the following techniques: - entry of a unique personal code; - reading of an external physical or digital medium; - entry of an identifier or a password; - recognition of a biometric fingerprint.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the contextual data comprises at least one type of data chosen from the group comprising: - data relating to the operator's environment; - operational data relating to activities carried out by the operator; - physiological data of the operator.

4. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the contextual data is entered by the operator and / or acquired from an external device and / or generated by the transportable evaluation device (12).

5. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the step of acquiring (130) physiological data of the operator is implemented from measurements provided by a plurality of sensors integrated in the transportable evaluation device (12).

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the step of acquiring (130) physiological data comprises at least one of substeps following: - verification (131) of the operating status of the sensors; - synchronization (132) of the sensors; - monitoring (133) of the quality of the measured signal; - alert (134) in the event of failure of one or more sensors.

7. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the step of acquiring (130) physiological data from the operator is implemented during an activity of the operator other than interaction with the transportable evaluation device, preferably for a predetermined minimum duration.

8. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the level of fatigue of the operator is determined by one or more algorithms for processing physiological data and advantageously contextual data.

9. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the step of communicating (150) the fatigue level comprises displaying that fatigue level to the operator and / or transferring that fatigue level to an external device.

10. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a step (160) of securely transferring the acquired and / or determined data to at least one of the elements chosen from the group comprising: - an external storage device; - a mobile device with storage capacity; - a central server; - another transportable evaluation device (12).

11. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a step (170) of analyzing the operation of the transportable evaluation system (12) comprising the verification of at least one element chosen from the group comprising: - available storage space; - computing performance; - state of an internal battery; - connectivity with a central server (14) and / or with another transportable evaluation device (12); - operating state of the hardware or software components implemented when a malfunction is detected

12. A method according to any preceding claim, further comprising a step (180) of updating at least a part of the transportable evaluation device chosen from the group comprising: - software implemented by the transportable evaluation device (12); - data processing algorithms to determine the level of fatigue; - the nature of the contextual data.

13. System (10) for evaluating the level of fatigue of an operator, comprising means (12, 14) configured to implement the method according to any one of the preceding claims.

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