Remote Assistance System for Aircraft Pilot Workload Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In aircraft cockpits, managing communication with air traffic control centers can be overwhelming for a single pilot, especially during adverse weather conditions, as it requires simultaneous handling of diversion procedures and communication tasks.
Innovation Solution
A remote assistance system is embedded in the aircraft, allowing a pilot to establish a communication link with a remote assistance center, where an operator can mix audio signals from air traffic control and the pilot, relay commands to aircraft devices, and control certain cockpit functions, thereby alleviating the pilot's workload.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a single pilot manages all communication tasks and cockpit operations, then the crew size is reduced, but the pilot's workload and complexity of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
A remote assistance center acts as an intermediary between the pilot and air traffic control, handling communication tasks remotely. The center receives calls from ATC, mixes audio signals with pre-recorded pilot responses, and transmits the composite signals back through the aircraft's communication system, thereby reducing the pilot's direct involvement in routine communication tasks
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates audio copies of standard pilot responses and communication patterns that are pre-recorded and stored. These copied responses are automatically mixed with live ATC communications, allowing the pilot to handle multiple tasks simultaneously without manually composing each communication response
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple communication devices are installed for comprehensive coverage, then communication capability is improved, but device complexity and configuration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The remote assistance center provides a universal communication interface that can handle multiple types of communication devices (VHF, HF, SATCOM) through a single system. The center's audio mixing capability works across all communication channels, eliminating the need for separate configuration systems for each device type and simplifying the overall communication architecture
Data Source
AI summary
A device for an aircraft having at least one first communication with an air traffic control center. The device establishes a second communication with a remote assistance center and performs a first mixing of audio signals from the first communication or communications and of audio signals from the second communication and transmits the result to the pilot. The device also performs a second mixing of audio signals from the first communication or communications and of audio signals from the pilot and transmits the result to the remote assistance center by using the second communication. The device performs a relaying of commands received via the second communication to devices of the aircraft. An operator in the remote assistance center listens to the exchanges between the pilot and the air traffic control center and can exchange with the pilot and relieve him or her of certain tasks.