Portable Operator Fatigue Assessment Using Physiological Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for assessing operator fatigue, particularly in critical sectors like aeronautics and aerospace, rely on subjective self-reports and biomathematical models that are limited in data collection and lack population-scale centralization, failing to provide an objective and comprehensive evaluation.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for evaluating operator fatigue using a transportable device that collects and processes physiological and contextual data, including identification, data acquisition, analysis, and communication, enabling objective assessment and population-scale data centralization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If subjective self-reports are used to assess operator fatigue, then the assessment process is simple and requires minimal equipment, but the measurement precision is compromised due to bias from cultural, professional or operational factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective self-report mechanisms with objective physiological measurement systems. Sensors measure actual physiological parameters (heart rate, skin temperature, galvanic skin response, respiratory rate) to determine fatigue levels, eliminating the bias inherent in subjective reporting while maintaining ease of operation through automated data collection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces physiological parameters as intermediary indicators to indirectly assess fatigue. Instead of directly asking operators about their fatigue state, the system measures physiological responses that objectively reflect fatigue levels, providing an unbiased intermediate measurement layer
2Reliability
If biomathematical models are used for fatigue assessment, then alerts can be raised for high fatigue levels, but the device complexity increases and data collection is limited without population-scale centralization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the fatigue assessment system into separate functional modules: multiple sensors for different physiological parameters, a processing unit that integrates data from all sensors, and a communication module for data transfer. This segmentation allows the system to achieve reliable fatigue detection through multiple data sources while managing complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines data from multiple physiological sensors (cardiac, thermal, galvanic, respiratory) and integrates them with contextual data (environmental conditions, operational factors) in a unified assessment model, creating a comprehensive fatigue evaluation system that leverages multiple data types simultaneously
3Ease of operation
If individual monitoring is implemented, then the focus is on specific operators, but the loss of information increases as data cannot be centralized or cross-referenced at population scale
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from single-operator monitoring to multi-operator population monitoring by implementing a centralized server that receives data from multiple portable evaluation devices. This adds a population dimension to the monitoring system, enabling cross-referencing and analysis across entire operator groups while maintaining individual operator focus at the device level
Data Source
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AI summary
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.