Pilot authentication system
First Claim
1. A pilot authentication system comprising:
- a processor located in an aircraft and connected to an avionics computer of the aircraft;
a plurality of sensors connected to the processor and located proximal to the pilot; and
a transceiver connected to the processor, wherein the processor monitors the plurality of sensors and the avionics computer, determines whether an alert condition is present, and sends an alert signal over the transceiver in response to the alert condition.
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Abstract
A pilot authentication system for commercial and non-commercial aircraft is provided. A processor containing a database of digitized fingerprints of individuals authorized to control a given aircraft is located in the aircraft and in communication with the aircraft'"'"'s avionics computer. A plurality of sensors, including fingerprint and biometric sensors, sample the fingerprints and biometric information at an individual at the controls of the aircraft. The processor compares the sampled fingerprints to the database of authorized individuals, determining whether an unauthorized individual is at the controls of the aircraft. Using the biometric information, the processor also determines whether a pilot is experiencing physical distress while at the controls of the aircraft. Further, the processor determines whether the aircraft is in motion and is not being controlled by either an authorized pilot or the aircraft'"'"'s autopilot. In response to either an unauthorized pilot at the controls of the aircraft, physical distress experienced by the pilot, or an unattended aircraft condition, the processor generates a categorized alert signal and transmits same to a ground-based monitoring system. The signal contains information regarding the condition, including a digitized fingerprint of an unauthorized pilot. The signal is processed and alert means at the ground-based monitoring system are activated so that personnel can respond. Additionally, the ground-based monitoring system, in response to an unauthorized pilot at the controls of the aircraft, stores the digitized fingerprint of the unauthorized pilot in a memory system, and alerts law enforcement personnel for corrective action. The ground-based monitoring system includes a master database containing fingerprints of authorized pilots. Both the aircraft-based and ground-based databases can be selectively manipulated to add or delete fingerprints of individuals authorized to control aircraft.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A pilot authentication system comprising:
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a processor located in an aircraft and connected to an avionics computer of the aircraft;
a plurality of sensors connected to the processor and located proximal to the pilot; and
a transceiver connected to the processor, wherein the processor monitors the plurality of sensors and the avionics computer, determines whether an alert condition is present, and sends an alert signal over the transceiver in response to the alert condition. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A method of authenticating a pilot comprising:
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providing a fingerprint database of individuals authorized to control an aircraft;
scanning at least one fingerprint of the pilot at the controls of the aircraft;
comparing the at least one fingerprint to the database of individuals authorized to control the aircraft; and
in response to a negative comparison, generating an alert signal in a processor in the aircraft; and
transmitting the alert signal from the aircraft to a ground-based monitoring system. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19)
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Specification