Adaptive Checklist System for Dynamic Task Allocation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional checklists in operational situations, such as aircraft flight operations, are static and inflexible, leading to human errors, increased workload, and operational inefficiencies due to their inability to adapt to changing situations or conditions, resulting in potential delays and revenue loss.

Innovation Solution

An adaptive system that dynamically allocates tasks between pilots and automation, using a processor to render status updates and adjust checklist items based on current vehicle parameters and operational situations, allowing for real-time modifications and prioritization of tasks to ensure accurate and efficient execution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional static checklists are used, then checklist structure is simple and easy to understand, but adaptability to changing situations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to changing situationsVSAvoidchecklist system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic checklist system that automatically adapts to changing operational situations by monitoring vehicle parameters and sensor data. The checklist content, sequence, and target values are dynamically modified based on real-time conditions, transforming the static checklist into a flexible, situation-aware system that resolves the contradiction between simplicity and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes multiple parameters of the checklist including item inclusion/exclusion, sequence ordering, target values, and allocation between pilot and automation based on prevailing or historical situations. This parameter-based adaptation allows the checklist to respond to changing conditions without requiring complete redesign, balancing adaptability with manageable complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If checklist items are statically defined, then checklist structure is stable and predictable, but human error increases due to inability to adapt to new situations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereduction of human errorVSAvoidflexibility to situation changes
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors vehicle parameters, sensor data, and operational conditions, using this feedback to dynamically adjust checklist items, target values, and sequence. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures the checklist remains aligned with current situations, reducing human error while maintaining adaptability to new conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The checklist system automatically adapts to changing situations without requiring manual intervention from the pilot. The processor autonomously modifies checklist content based on monitored parameters and stored situation data, reducing cognitive load and human error while maintaining flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple checklist variations exist for different situations, then coverage of operational scenarios is comprehensive, but difficulty to remember and recall items increases under task pressure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage of operational scenariosVSAvoidease of recall under pressure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of requiring pilots to remember multiple static checklist variations, the system dynamically generates the appropriate checklist based on real-time or historical situation data. The checklist automatically adjusts its content and sequence to match current operational conditions, making recall effortless while maintaining comprehensive scenario coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-stores multiple situation patterns and their corresponding checklist configurations. When a situation is detected or recalled, the system quickly retrieves and displays the pre-prepared checklist variation, enabling rapid adaptation without requiring the pilot to remember multiple checklist formats under pressure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Productivity

If checklists are fully controlled and executed sequentially by pilot, then pilot maintains full situation awareness, but operational efficiency decreases and turn-time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidchecklist execution time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides checklist items into segments allocated to either the pilot or automation based on situation and item characteristics. This segmentation allows parallel execution of pilot-controlled and automated tasks, significantly reducing total checklist execution time while maintaining pilot situation awareness through continuous monitoring and verification of automated actions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary layer that coordinates between pilot intentions and automated execution. The processor acts as a mediator, receiving pilot input, determining appropriate automated actions based on stored patterns, and executing tasks while providing feedback to the pilot, thereby improving efficiency without sacrificing situation awareness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

5Adaptability or versatility

If pilot must adapt checklist to in-situ conditions, then flexibility to handle unique situations is achieved, but workload surge occurs due to additional cognitive burden

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility to in-situ adaptationsVSAvoidworkload reduction
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The checklist system performs self-adaptation by automatically monitoring vehicle parameters and situation data, then modifying its own content and sequence without pilot intervention. This self-service capability provides the flexibility of in-situ adaptation while eliminating the cognitive burden on the pilot, as the system handles all adaptation decisions autonomously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from vehicle sensors and parameter monitoring to automatically determine what checklist adaptations are needed. This feedback-driven adaptation removes the burden of situation analysis from the pilot, as the system independently processes sensor data and adjusts the checklist accordingly, maintaining flexibility while reducing workload.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS9846523B2Adaptive interface system for confirming a status of a plurality of identified tasks
Publication Date: 2017.12.19 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC
  • US9846523B2 patent drawing
  • US9846523B2 patent drawing
  • US9846523B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system and method provide feedback regarding the confirmation of automated and operator assigned tasks, wherein one of the operator tasks and automation tasks includes a value for a parameter. The operator task and automation task that includes the value is rendered subsequent to being accomplished if the value does not match the parameter.