Seat-Integrated Pressure Sensor Matrix for Operator State Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems for monitoring the psychophysiological state of individuals, such as pilots, are limited as they rely on single bio-signals and are prone to partial or complete loss of function, failing to effectively detect states like fatigue, drowsiness, or incapacitation due to their reliance on a single type of bio-signal.

Innovation Solution

A system and method utilizing a matrix array of pressure detection sensors integrated into a seat to measure breathing, movement, and actigraphy patterns, which are then analyzed to determine the psychophysiological state of the operator, incorporating a microprocessor to continually assess these patterns and provide alerts for degraded states.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single type of bio-signal is used for monitoring, then the system complexity is reduced, but the reliability and accuracy of psychophysiological state detection deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidreliability of state detection
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the monitoring function into multiple independent sensor channels, each measuring a different bio-signal type (respiratory rate, heart rate, movement, skin conductance). This segmentation allows the system to maintain low overall complexity while achieving high reliability through diverse measurement modalities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The monitoring system is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously by integrating various bio-signal measurements into a single psychophysiological state assessment. The system universally evaluates alertness, fatigue, stress, and health status using combined data from multiple sensor types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple types of bio-signals are measured, then the reliability of psychophysiological state detection is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of state detectionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple bio-signal measurements (respiratory rate, heart rate, movement, skin conductance) into a unified psychophysiological state monitoring system. By combining these signals through a centralized processing algorithm, the system achieves high reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

A psychophysiological state assessment algorithm serves as an intermediary that processes and integrates data from multiple bio-signal sensors. This mediator translates complex multi-sensor data into interpretable state assessments, managing system complexity while maintaining measurement reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If pressure sensor matrix array is integrated into the seat, then comprehensive movement and breathing pattern detection is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of breathing and movement detectionVSAvoidease of seat manufacturing
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The seat is designed with multi-functionality by integrating the pressure sensor matrix array into the existing seat structure. This allows the seat to serve both its primary support function and the secondary function of precise biometric monitoring, achieving comprehensive detection without requiring a completely new manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach provides a comprehensive and reliable method for monitoring the psychophysiological state, enhancing safety by detecting subtle changes in operator condition, such as fatigue or incapacitation, and triggering alerts when necessary, thereby improving operational safety in critical environments.

Implementation Method 1

an matrix of pressure detection sensors in physical contact with the operator, where the matrix is integrated into a seat of the operator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure detection: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentEP4104759A1System for sensing an operator's psychophysiological state
Publication Date: 2022.12.21 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC
  • EP4104759A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4104759A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4104759A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Methods and systems are provided for measuring the capacitive state of an operator. The method includes placing an matrix array of pressure detection sensors in physical contact with the individual. The matrix array is integrated into the seat of the operator and continually measures the operator's presence and movement in the seat based on data received from the matrix array of pressure detection sensors. The breathing, movement and actigraphy patterns of the operator are measured and calculated based on the data received from the matrix array of pressure detection sensors. The breathing, movement and actigraphy patterns of the operator are continually analyzed to determine the capacitive state of the operator.