Pilot Perception Incapacitation Detection From Flight Inputs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current aviation systems lack an active method to detect spatial disorientation in pilots during flight, relying solely on a second pilot to monitor the flight deck, which can lead to unsafe conditions.

Innovation Solution

A system that monitors aircraft status and pilot inputs to identify potential perception-based incapacitation, using machine learning algorithms and neural networks to characterize and remediate such conditions in real-time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a second pilot monitors the flight deck to detect spatial disorientation, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity and operational burden increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidoperational burden

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables the aircraft to self-monitor for spatial disorientation by automatically comparing pilot control inputs against expected inputs for current flight conditions, eliminating the need for a second pilot to perform manual monitoring

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/ human monitoring system with an automated electronic system that uses sensors, processors, and algorithms to detect spatial disorientation by analyzing control input deviations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If automated detection systems are implemented to detect spatial disorientation, then detection precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses existing multi-functional aircraft components (control sensors, flight data systems) to perform spatial disorientation detection, rather than requiring dedicated specialized equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces a processing layer that mediates between raw control input data and disorientation detection, using algorithms to compare actual inputs with expected inputs based on flight conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If real-time monitoring and remedial action are implemented, then safety is improved, but use of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs detection and comparison operations at periodic intervals rather than continuous monitoring, reducing energy consumption while maintaining effective detection capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system focuses monitoring efforts on critical flight phases and parameters where spatial disorientation is most likely to occur, rather than uniformly monitoring all parameters at all times

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS20260054825A1System for incapacitation detection based on pilot perception

Publication Date: 2026.02.26 ROCKWELL COLLINS INC

AI summary

A pilot monitoring system is configured to monitor the current status of an aircraft, and determine if the pilot is likely experiencing perception-based incapacitation. Based on accumulated data, certain aircraft states (control positions, flight phase, etc.) can be associated with a likelihood of perception-based incapacitation. The system may characterize pilot inputs during periods of likely perception-based incapacitation, and take remedial action when actual perception-based incapacitation is identified.