Transportable Operator Fatigue Evaluation Device With Physiological Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for evaluating operator fatigue, particularly in critical contexts like aeronautics and aerospace, rely on subjective self-statements and biomathematic models, which are biased and lack centralized data collection and population-scale analysis.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for objectively evaluating operator fatigue using a transportable device that identifies the operator, acquires contextual and physiological data, analyzes these data to determine fatigue levels, and communicates the results, enabling centralized data collection and cross-referencing across a population.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If subjective self-statements are used to evaluate operator fatigue, then the evaluation process is simple and requires minimal equipment, but the results are biased and lack objectivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of evaluation processVSAvoidobjectivity of fatigue evaluation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces subjective self-assessment mechanisms with objective physiological measurement systems. Sensors measure actual physiological parameters (heart rate, skin temperature, muscle tension, eye movement) to determine fatigue levels, eliminating the bias inherent in subjective reporting while maintaining ease of operation through automated data collection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces physiological parameters as intermediary indicators between the operator's actual fatigue state and the evaluation system. These biological signals serve as objective mediators that reflect fatigue levels without requiring direct self-reporting, thus resolving the contradiction between simplicity and objectivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If biomathematic models are used for fatigue evaluation, then the system can operate individually, but data cannot be centralized or cross-referenced at population scale

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindividual monitoring capabilityVSAvoidcentralized data collection capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a fatigue evaluation system that simultaneously serves individual monitoring and population-level data collection. The same sensor suite and processing architecture support both single-operator assessment and aggregated analysis across multiple operators, eliminating the need to choose between individual and population-scale functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges individual fatigue assessment capabilities with centralized data collection functions into a unified system. Individual operator data from multiple sensors are aggregated and cross-referenced with population-level information, enabling both individual monitoring and population-wide analysis within a single integrated platform.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If multiple sensors are integrated into the evaluation device, then physiological data can be objectively acquired, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobjectivity of physiological measurementVSAvoidnumber of integrated sensors

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the physiological measurement system into separate functional modules, each dedicated to specific parameters (cardiovascular, thermal, muscular, ocular sensors). This segmentation allows independent optimization of each sensor type while maintaining overall system coherence, managing complexity through modular architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically adjusts which sensors are activated and which parameters are measured based on the operational context and operator state. The system can focus on specific physiological parameters depending on the situation, reducing the effective complexity of data processing while maintaining comprehensive measurement capability when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20250322962A1Evaluation method of the level of fatigue of an operator and associated evaluation system

Publication Date: 2025.10.16 THALES SA

AI summary

A method of evaluation of the level of fatigue of an operator implemented by a transportable evaluation device, the method including identification of the operator, acquisition or determination of contextual data relating to the context in which the evaluation is implemented, acquisition of physiological data of the operator, analysis of all the data acquired or determined for determining the level of fatigue of the operator, and communication of the determined level of fatigue.