Pilot Workload Sensing and Task Redistribution in Aircraft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pilots experience high workload and stress levels during specific phases of flight, such as takeoff and landing, which can lead to fatigue and decreased performance, and existing flight management systems do not effectively adjust for these variations to optimize crew workload.
Innovation Solution
A method using sensors to track pilot workload and stress levels, adjusting tasks and workload distribution between crew members when thresholds are exceeded, and analyzing historical data to predict and adjust workload before flights, incorporating a system that includes image sensors, biometric sensors, and a flight control computer to manage workload.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pilots manually manage all flight tasks during high workload phases, then flight control precision is maintained, but pilot fatigue increases and performance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an automated flight management system that acts as an intermediary between the pilot and flight control tasks. Sensors detect pilot workload and stress levels, and the system automatically adjusts task allocation and provides assistance during high workload phases, reducing direct pilot involvement while maintaining control precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary analysis of flight phases and predicts high workload periods in advance. By pre-positioning automated assistance and adjusting task allocation before critical phases occur, the system prevents pilot overload while ensuring flight control precision is maintained throughout
2Productivity
If flight management systems follow fixed flight plans, then flight efficiency is maintained, but they cannot adapt to real-time pilot workload variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static flight management system into a dynamic one that continuously adapts to changing conditions. Sensors real-time monitor pilot workload and stress levels, and the system dynamically adjusts task allocation, automation levels, and flight plan modifications based on current pilot state, maintaining both efficiency and adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where sensors monitor pilot workload and stress, this information is processed by the flight management system, and adjustments are made to task allocation and flight operations. This closed-loop control enables the system to respond to pilot needs while maintaining flight efficiency
3Measurement precision
If more sensors and monitoring systems are added to track pilot workload, then workload detection accuracy improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs sensors that serve multiple functions: monitoring pilot workload, detecting stress levels, and tracking physiological parameters. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated sensors for each measurement type, improving detection accuracy while limiting the increase in system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines multiple sensing capabilities and data processing functions into an integrated flight management platform. By merging workload detection, stress monitoring, and flight control functions into a unified system, the patent achieves high measurement precision without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A method of adjusting an operator workload during a travel segment including tracking over a time period, using at least one sensor, one of inputs by an operator indicative of an operator workload or image sensor data or a biometric parameter indicative of an operator stress level during the travel segment. Determining, using a controller that is operatively connected to the at least one sensor, a level of one of the operator workload or operator stress level. The method also includes adjusting, using a controller that is operatively connected to the control computer, the operator workload when the level of one of the operator workload or operator stress level exceeds a predetermined threshold.