Remote Waking System Using Adaptive Stimuli Sequences

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Solution Overview

Problem

In environments where teams alternate between on-duty and off-duty status, such as long-haul flights, there is a need for an effective system to wake off-duty personnel without impairing their cognitive abilities, especially during emergencies when immediate recall is necessary.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising sensors and waking stimulus sources, processed by a system that determines the optimal stimuli and sequence for waking based on sleep and cognitive states, using visual, aural, and vibrational stimuli, and adjusting according to environmental and emergency conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If abrupt awakening methods are used to ensure immediate recall during emergencies, then response time is reduced, but cognitive abilities are impaired

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse timeVSAvoidcognitive abilities
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies periodic action by delivering awakening stimuli in a structured sequence rather than a single abrupt stimulus. Multiple stimuli are delivered at different time intervals, allowing the person to gradually transition from sleep to full alertness while maintaining the capability for rapid response when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary action by preparing the awakening process in advance through a predetermined sequence of stimuli. The first stimulus is delivered gently to begin the transition, and subsequent stimuli are prepared and delivered in sequence, allowing cognitive functions to activate progressively before full duty engagement is required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If multiple stimuli are used to ensure effective awakening, then awakening reliability is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveawakening effectivenessVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the awakening process into distinct stages, each with specific stimuli types and delivery parameters. The awakening sequence is divided into multiple discrete steps (first stimulus, second stimulus, etc.), allowing each component to be independently controlled and optimized while maintaining overall system manageability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements dynamics by making the stimulus delivery adaptive and adjustable. The timing, type, and intensity of stimuli can be modified based on the person's response and specific operational requirements, allowing the system to optimize awakening effectiveness without requiring a fixed complex mechanism for every scenario.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4417239A1System and method for remotely waking a resting person
Publication Date: 2024.08.21 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC
  • EP4417239A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4417239A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4417239A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A system and method of waking a person includes receiving, in a processing system, stimuli configuration data that is indicative of all available waking stimuli available for use. Sleep state data that is indicative of a current sleep state of the person is received in the processing system. The stimuli configuration data and the sleep state data are processed, in the processing system, to determine (i) a set of the available stimuli to use to awaken the person and (ii) a sequence of activation of the set available stimuli to use. The set of available stimuli are selectively activated, via the processing system, in the determined sequence of activation.