Pilot Vigilance Measurement via Acoustic Head Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring a pilot's vigilance during flight are inconvenient due to the use of wearable sensors, which can cause discomfort over extended periods.
Innovation Solution
A non-intrusive method using a measuring device integrated with the aircraft's audio communication system, utilizing loudspeakers and microphones to calculate the position of the pilot's head and detect vigilance by analyzing the acoustic propagation time and movement, with alerts generated if vigilance is low.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If wearable sensors are used to measure pilot vigilance, then measurement capability is improved, but pilot comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces wearable mechanical sensors with an acoustic measurement system using loudspeakers and microphones already present in the aircraft audio communication system. This substitution eliminates the need for physical contact with the pilot while maintaining vigilance measurement capability through acoustic signal analysis and head position tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent repurposes the existing audio communication system components (loudspeakers and microphones) for dual functionality: their original communication purpose and the new vigilance measurement function. This multi-use approach eliminates the need for additional wearable sensors while leveraging already-installed equipment.
2Reliability
If continuous vigilance monitoring is implemented, then flight safety is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates vigilance monitoring functionality into the existing audio communication system, allowing the same hardware components to serve both communication and monitoring purposes. This integration approach minimizes additional system complexity while enabling continuous safety monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the aircraft's existing audio infrastructure to perform self-monitoring of pilot vigilance. The loudspeakers and microphones that are already part of the aircraft system are utilized to detect head position and acoustic signals, enabling the system to monitor itself without requiring external or additional specialized equipment.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables continuous, comfortable measurement of pilot vigilance without the need for wearable sensors, ensuring timely alerts and assistance when vigilance is compromised, thereby ensuring safe flight operations.
Implementation Method 1
a loudspeaker HP, configured to convert an electrical signal into an acoustic wave
Implementation Method 2
measure the time between which a sound wave is emitted by a loudspeaker HP and is received by the microphone M
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for measuring a pilot's level of alertness implemented by a measuring device. The measuring device is configured to measure the time between the emission of a sound wave from a loudspeaker located in the aircraft cockpit and its reception by the microphone of a pilot's headset, and to calculate the coordinates of a sphere centered on the loudspeaker and the circumference of which the microphone is located. Calculating the points of intersection of at least two spheres centered on different loudspeakers provides possible positions of the microphone within the cockpit space. These positions correspond to the pilot's head position when the headset is worn. By knowing at least one possible position of the pilot's head in the cockpit, the measuring device is configured to assess the pilot's level of alertness and to provide an alert in the event of a confirmed lack of pilot alertness.