Aircraft kitchen with smart worktop

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an aircraft galley with a smart worktop (100) and a control unit (180). The worktop (100) comprises a base plate and a component layer arranged thereon, which includes at least one electrical and / or electronic component, in particular at least one display (110, 115). The control unit (180) is configured to display a work-supporting instruction on the display, which describes at least part of an activity currently being performed on the worktop.

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to an aircraft galley with a smart worktop. In particular, the present disclosure relates to an aircraft galley with a worktop that includes at least one display and a control system that can display a work-supporting instruction on the display. Furthermore, an aircraft with such an aircraft galley is disclosed.

[0002] Typically, galleys on airplanes are used to prepare drinks and meals for passengers. Furthermore, an airplane galley often serves as a storage place for certain documents, such as those containing passengers' special dietary requests and similar information.

[0003] However, there remains a need to improve the work of aircraft personnel, especially in aircraft galleys.

[0004] This problem is solved by the present invention as defined in the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0005] According to a first aspect for a better understanding of the present disclosure, an aircraft galley (also referred to as a kitchen) comprises a work surface and a control system, wherein the work surface includes a base plate and a component layer arranged thereon, which incorporates at least one electrical and / or electronic component. The work surface is thus enhanced by the functionality of the electrical and / or electronic component. Instead of a simple work surface, the aircraft galley disclosed herein offers the aircraft crew additional functions that facilitate their work.

[0006] The component layer includes at least one display, while the control system is configured to show a work-supporting message on the display, describing at least part of a task currently being performed on the work surface. The "smart" work surface can therefore assist flight crews in determining when to perform which task. Although flight crews receive extensive training, the variety of their tasks and the demands of passengers are constantly increasing, leading to a steadily growing complexity of the work they must perform. By displaying a work-supporting message, the flight crew's work is made easier, enabling them to work more efficiently and quickly, thus improving service.

[0007] For example, the smart work surface can display whether a specific passenger or passengers have ordered special meals. In business class, meals are often prepared passenger by passenger, and the display can be used to show the meal request of the passenger currently being served. Especially when the task involves several steps (for example, arranging a general appetizer, a special main course, a requested beverage, etc. on a tray), the display can show each individual step, thus supporting the flight crew. Each step can be displayed simultaneously or in the order it needs to be completed.Of course, activities other than meal preparation can also be displayed, such as dimming the cabin at a certain stage of the flight, staff break times, information for other members of the aircraft crew, one of the pilots leaving the cockpit, a message from a pilot to the flight crew, etc.

[0008] In one implementation variant, the component layer can further comprise at least one input element, and / or a light source, and / or a plurality of visually and / or haptically adjustable storage surfaces, and / or at least one sensor configured to detect the presence of an object on a corresponding area of ​​the work surface and generate a corresponding signal that can be processed by the control system, and / or at least one receiver for reading a near-field communication (NFC) chip, and / or a flexible conductive trace. The component layer is therefore not limited to a display but can be used in a variety of ways for interaction with the aircraft crew.

[0009] For example, the light source can be used to indicate a passenger's service request, while the display shows the seat number. On the other hand, the at least one input element can allow flight crew to jump to the next step in a task, which is then displayed on the screen. The same can be achieved using the at least one sensor, which detects the presence of an object on the work surface, signaling the completion of the current task.

[0010] As a further example, a temperature sensor can be used to measure the temperature of a placed object. If this object is hot, this can be indicated via the display and / or the light source and / or the visually and / or haptically adjustable storage surface, thus alerting the flight crew to the hot object. This can also be done without a temperature sensor if, during a work step, a hot object was to be placed, or was placed, on a specific spot (i.e., a storage area) of the work surface.

[0011] In one implementation variant, the control system can also be configured to receive a signal from at least one input element and, based on the received signal, control another component of the component layer. This could involve jumping to the next work step, which is then displayed to the flight crew on the screen or in another form.

[0012] Alternatively or additionally, the control system can be configured to display work-supporting information via a light source, indicating a sequence of steps encompassing the task to be performed. For example, the light source can be of different colors, or multiple light sources can be illuminated sequentially by the control system, with each light source corresponding to a specific step in the sequence.

[0013] Alternatively or additionally, the control system can be configured to visually and / or haptically mark at least one of the multiple storage areas belonging to the current work step (and according to the work-supporting information). For example, the storage areas can be configured to change their color, have a colored border around the storage area, change the surface texture of the entire storage area or along its border, or similar. This allows, for example, the flight crew to be shown where certain dishes need to be placed, simplifying the workflow and enabling the quick and safe preparation of a complete meal.

[0014] Alternatively or additionally, the control system can be configured to process the signal from at least one sensor and control another component of the component layer accordingly, and / or to select the next work-supporting instruction relevant to the next step of the task and display it via the components of the component layer. For example, the next instruction can be displayed on the screen or output using at least one of the other elements of the component layer. The at least one sensor can be a pressure sensor, temperature sensor, presence sensor, proximity sensor, etc. For example, the control system can use a pressure sensor, presence sensor, or proximity sensor to detect that a plate, bowl, glass, or similar item has been placed on the work surface (for example, on one of the multiple designated storage areas).Afterwards, the next storage area can be marked visually and / or haptically, and / or the next instruction or work step of the activity can be displayed on the screen, and / or the light source can be switched on accordingly to indicate the next step.

[0015] Alternatively or additionally, the control system can be configured to receive a signal from the NFC chip and evaluate the information contained within it. For example, plates, glasses, or other objects can be equipped with an NFC chip. Similarly, any food storage container can be fitted with an NFC chip, allowing the control system not only to detect the presence of the container or object but also to identify its type. The control system can also obtain information about the contents of the container or object from the NFC chip. For instance, information can be stored on the NFC chip when the corresponding container is filled, such as in a large-scale kitchen at an airport that prepares a variety of meals, places them in appropriate containers, and delivers them to the aircraft.

[0016] In one implementation variant, at least one section of the worktop can be covered with a textile. Besides offering improved aesthetics, the textile surface also allows for the integration of additional functionality. For example, the textile can incorporate a smart section. A smart section can consist of one or more fibers that can change color, emit light, or detect touch. Thus, the smart section of the textile can function as a display, a light source, and an input element. The smart textile can also be considered part of the component layer, as it is linked to the control system and can exchange signals with it.

[0017] In one implementation variant, a protective surface can be applied to at least one section of the component layer. This protective surface can, for example, be flexible and / or replaceable. This makes it easier to keep the work surface clean and / or to clean it, or to prepare it for the next flight.

[0018] In one implementation variant, the aircraft galley may also include at least one communication interface configured to exchange data with an electronic device, either wired or wirelessly. This electronic device may be operated by a member of the aircraft crew, such as a tablet or other mobile device.

[0019] In one implementation variant, the control system can be configured to send work-supporting instructions and / or information about the current work step to the electronic device and / or to receive user input from the electronic device. Thus, the electronic device, in conjunction with the smart work surface, can facilitate the work of the flight crew. For example, the user input can be related to the currently performed work step, in which the flight crew confirms the step in order to proceed to the next one. Conversely, the flight crew can also enter user input at the smart work surface, with the result being displayed (also) on the electronic device.

[0020] In one implementation variant, the component layer can further include a scale, and / or a heating element, and / or a cooling element. This allows certain tasks, including heating or cooling objects, food, drinks, etc., to be facilitated and accelerated by the smart work surface. For example, flight crew can remove food from a refrigerator, place it on a designated shelf, and the smart work surface can warm or heat the food via the heating element while the crew carries out the next steps. The scale can be used, for instance, to portion a specific meal or part of it, to mix a drink, and similar tasks.

[0021] In one implementation variant, the worktop can be moved between a working position, in which it is horizontally oriented, and a display position, in which it is vertically oriented. Thus, in the horizontal position, the worktop can be used like a regular worktop (but with the smart enhancements revealed here). In the display position, however, the display integrated into the worktop can continue to be used.

[0022] As just one example, flight attendant seats are typically located near the galley. When the flight attendant is seated in such a seat, the display in the worktop is not visible and / or the information shown on it is not accessible. By moving the worktop into the display position, the display can still be used. Again, just as an example, the display could show a video image of the passenger cabin, allowing the flight attendant to observe the passengers even while seated. Since this passenger observation is one of the requirements for flight attendant seats, using the worktop in the display position allows the seat to be installed in locations other than those previously common (for example, in a position from which the passenger cabin is not directly visible). The display on the worktop can thus be used as an "electronic mirror."

[0023] Of course, other information can also be displayed on the screen, such as messages from the cockpit, cabin status information, etc.

[0024] In one implementation variant, the worktop can have a surface coating or covering designed to change its shape. This shape change can then assume specific patterns, for example, to mark a storage area to be used in a work-supporting step. The shape change can also be used to display information; in other words, the surface becomes a display. The shape change can be achieved, for example, by electrically controlled expansion of the material and / or by inflating corresponding channels or channel sections within the material.

[0025] In one implementation variant, the worktop can further feature a surface coating or covering that includes integrated input elements. For example, the surface coating or covering could include an air bubble or channel. Pressing on the coating or covering changes the air pressure in the bubble or channel, which can be registered by a corresponding sensor.

[0026] According to a second aspect for a better understanding of the present disclosure, an aircraft includes at least one aircraft kitchen according to the first aspect or one or more of its implementation variants.

[0027] The present disclosure is not limited to the aspects and implementation variants in their stated order. In particular, the description of the aspects and implementation variants is not to be understood as a specific grouping of features. Rather, the present disclosure also includes combinations of the described implementation variants with each other, as well as combinations of the second aspect with implementation variants of the first aspect.

[0028] The present disclosure is described below with reference to exemplary implementation variants shown in the figures, of which Fig. 1 schematically shows a top view of a worktop; Fig. 2 schematically shows a section and a top view of a worktop; Fig. 3 schematically shows a galley on board; and Fig. Figure 4 schematically shows an aircraft with an onboard galley.

[0029] The following description presents certain details for the purpose of explanation, not limitation, in order to provide a general understanding of this disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this disclosure can also be implemented in other ways, differing from those shown in the figures.

[0030] Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows a top view of a worktop 100. The worktop 100 can be part of a galley 50 ( Fig. 3) . By way of example only, the worktop 100 can be arranged above trolley parking spaces 52. Furthermore, a control unit 180, which is coupled to the worktop 100, is provided in the galley 50.

[0031] With regard to the Fig. 2. Workstation 100 comprises a base plate 191 and a component layer 192 arranged on it. The component layer 192 includes at least one electrical and / or electronic component. A protective surface 194 can be applied to the component layer 192. This protective surface 194 can, for example, be flexible, replaceable, and / or transparent. The protective surface 194 can be attached by means of a frame 193, the frame 193 being removable and thus replaceable along with the surface 194. Of course, a different design for the worktop 100 is possible.

[0032] Component layer 192 includes at least one display 110, 115, which is also coupled to and controlled by the controller 180. Display 110 shows a work-supporting instruction that describes at least part of a task currently being performed on the work surface. The controller 180 stores information about tasks to be performed and can make this information available to a user, such as flight crew, via display 110 (and / or display 115). For example, in Fig. It was specified that an "appetizer on a tray" should be prepared. Naturally, any information can be provided via displays 110 and 115, including text, images, colors, etc. This provides instructions for the tasks to be performed, making the flight crew's work easier.

[0033] The display 110, 115 can function solely as a display. Alternatively, a touch-sensitive display (so-called touchscreen) can be used to also use the display 110, 115 as an input element.

[0034] The smart worktop 100 can also include further elements, such as at least one input element 140, 165. These are, for example, switches or buttons 140 that can be operated by pressing or touching. The input elements 165 are arranged in an exemplary area 160 of the worktop 100, which consists of a textile. The worktop 100 can be covered with a textile in this area. Of course, the textile area 160 can also be part of the component layer 192. The input elements 165 are, for example, air-filled areas or channels whose internal pressure can be changed by external contact. The pressure change can be measured by means of a pressure sensor (not shown) and transmitted to the controller 180, thus making them input elements of the component layer 192.

[0035] The textile area 160 can itself be used for information output. For example, the textile area 160 can contain fibers that can change color, change temperature, or incorporate light sources such as micro-LEDs. This makes the textile area 160 flexible in its application, both for displaying information (for example, in the form of text, colored areas, or similar) and for changing the temperature of objects placed on it. The fibers can also include pressure and / or temperature sensors to determine whether an object has been placed in the area 160 and / or to measure the temperature of the object. The measured temperature can then be used, for example, to indicate whether an object is cold or hot.

[0036] The component layer 192 can also include a light source 130. As an example, it shows... Fig. 1. Five lights, two of which are shown as activated (in the form of a black dot). The light source 130 can be a single light-emitting device or (as shown) implemented as a plurality of light sources. In any case, information can be output to the flight crew using the light source 130. For example, a combination of activated light sources 130 can represent a work step currently being performed in a sequence of work steps. Alternatively or additionally, other instructions can be given to the flight crew, such as a service call from a passenger or the like.

[0037] Furthermore, written designations (not shown) may be indicated next to the individual light sources 130 on the worktop 100 (for example, on the surface 194 or the frame 193). Similarly, a display 110 located next to the light sources 130 may also, by way of example only, indicate the respective designation of each individual light source 130.

[0038] The component layer 192 can further comprise a plurality of visually and / or haptically changeable storage surfaces 120. These storage surfaces 120 can be made visually or haptically perceptible to the user. A visual change of the storage surfaces 120 can be achieved by a color change of a material in the component layer 192 and / or the surface 194, which is triggered electrically and / or thermally. Alternatively, a luminescent material can be present in the component layer 192 that causes the respective storage surface 120 to glow. The entire storage surface 120 can change color or glow (exemplarily represented by storage surfaces 120 filled entirely in black). Alternatively, only the outline of the storage surfaces 120 can be changed color or made to glow (in Fig. 1 shown accordingly).

[0039] Alternatively, the shape and / or surface of a material in the area of ​​the respective storage surfaces 120 can change, thus enabling a tactile change. This can be achieved using a suitable material that reacts to electrical and / or thermal changes with a change in shape. Furthermore, it is also possible to use a textile in the area of ​​the storage surfaces 120 that can be inflated in specific areas via channels or channel sections. This allows one or more storage surfaces 120 to be inflated entirely, a section thereof, or, for example, their border, in order to highlight the respective storage surfaces 120 both tactilely and visually. The respective changes to the storage surfaces 120 can be controlled by the controller 180.

[0040] For example, a transparent tray can be placed on the work surface 100, so that the changes to the respective storage areas 120 remain visible. This allows the arrangement of certain dishes and / or drinks on the tray to be clearly indicated to the flight crew.

[0041] For example, step by step, a storage area 120 can always be highlighted visually and / or haptically (with or without a tray placed on it).

[0042] The control unit 180 can further be configured to receive a signal from at least one input element 140, 165 and, based on the received signal, to control another component of the component layer 192. Furthermore, the control unit 180 can be configured to indicate a current work step in a sequence of steps representing the flight crew's task by means of the light source 130, the display 110, 115 and / or at least one of the multiple storage surfaces 120 to the flight crew, thereby guiding the flight crew.

[0043] The component layer 192 can further comprise at least one sensor 125, which is configured to detect the presence of an object on a corresponding area of ​​the work surface 100 and / or its temperature and to generate a corresponding signal that can be processed by the controller 180. Based on this signal, the controller 180 can control at least one other component of the component layer 192. For example, the next work-supporting instruction (or the next work step in the sequence of steps) can be selected and output via at least one of the components of the component layer 192.

[0044] The at least one sensor 125 can be a pressure sensor, presence sensor, proximity sensor, temperature sensor, or similar.

[0045] The aircraft galley 50 may also include at least one communication interface 170, which is configured to exchange data with an electronic device, either wired or wirelessly. This is shown only as an example in Fig. Figure 1 shows a tablet (mobile electronic device with touchscreen) as an example of a mobile electronic device that can communicate with the worktop 100 and / or the control unit 180 via a Bluetooth interface 171. The tablet can be used as both an input and output device together with the smart worktop 100.

[0046] Another means of communication, 170, is the one in Fig. Figure 1 shows a near-field communication receiver 172 (NFC receiver). This receiver can, for example, be configured to generate and receive a signal from an NFC chip and forward it to the controller 180. Based on the information received from the NFC receiver 172, the controller 180 can control at least one component of layer 192 accordingly. Of course, the NFC receiver 172 can also directly address and control a component of layer 192.

[0047] As just one example, a specific container (plate, glass, etc.) could be equipped with an NFC chip, allowing its presence on the work surface to be detected instantly. Alternatively or additionally, the NFC chip could also store information about the contents of the container, which could then be processed further (for example, whether a specific meal (vegetarian, vegan, halal, etc.) is contained in the container).

[0048] Furthermore, the worktop 100, in particular the component layer 192, can include a scale 150. This allows certain products to be portioned, meals to be assembled, drinks to be mixed, and similar tasks to be performed.

[0049] Finally, the worktop 100, in particular the component layer 192, can also include a cooling element or a heating element. These two elements are not explicitly shown in the figures, but can be implemented at any point on the component layer 192, such as in area 150, in the textile area 160, and / or on one or more of the storage surfaces 120. This allows objects placed there to be cooled or heated.

[0050] Fig. Figure 3 further shows that the worktop 100 is positioned between a working position (top illustration of the Fig. 3) and a display position (bottom illustration of the Fig. 3) is movable. In the working position, the work surface 100 is essentially horizontal and serves as a smart work surface. In the display position, however, the work surface 100 is essentially vertical. In this position, the display 110, 115 can also be viewed by flight personnel who are further away from the work surface or, in particular, not standing directly in front of it. For example, the display 115 can be used in Fig. 3. It can also be seen from a flight attendant's seat and the information displayed on it can be easily recognized.

[0051] Fig. Figure 4 finally shows an aircraft 1 that includes an aircraft galley 50. The aircraft galley 50 could in particular be the aircraft galley 50 from Fig. 3 with a worktop 100 according to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 trade.

[0052] The advantages of the technique presented here are evident from the preceding description. Furthermore, it is self-evident that the present disclosure also includes combinations of the features shown here that have not been explicitly described. In particular, some of the features depicted in the figures may be omitted or present multiple times.

Claims

[1] Aircraft kitchen (50), comprising: a worktop (100); and a controller (180), characterized by , that the worktop (100) comprises a base plate (191) and a component layer (192) arranged thereon, which has at least one electrical and / or electronic component, the component layer (192) includes at least one display (110, 115), and The control (180) is set up to display a work-supporting instruction on the display, which describes at least part of an activity currently being carried out on the work surface. [2] Aircraft galley (50) according to claim 1, wherein the component layer (192) further comprises: at least one input element (140, 165); and / or one light source (130); and / or a plurality of visually and / or haptically changeable storage surfaces (120); and / or at least one sensor (125) configured to detect the presence of an object on a corresponding area of ​​the work surface (100) and to generate a corresponding signal that can be processed by the controller (180); and / or at least one near field communication receiver (172); and / or at least one flexible conductor track (182). [3] Aircraft galley (50) according to claim 2, wherein the control is further configured to: to receive a signal from at least one input element (140, 165), and to control another component of the component layer (192) based on the received signal, and / or to indicate a current work step in a sequence of steps comprising the activity to be carried out by means of the light source (130), and / or to visually and / or haptically mark at least one of the multiple storage areas (120) belonging to the current work step, and / or to process the signal of at least one sensor (125) and to control another component of the component layer (192) accordingly and / or to select the next work-supporting instruction and to display it via the components of the component layer (192). [4] Aircraft kitchen (50) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: at least one section of the worktop (100) comprises a textile, preferably including a smart section; and / or a protective surface (194) is applied to at least one section of the component layer (192), which is preferably flexible and / or replaceable. [5] Aircraft kitchen (50) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: at least one communication interface (170) designed to exchange data with an electronic device, either wired or wirelessly, wherein preferably the control (180) is configured to send the work-supporting instruction and / or information about the current work step to the electronic device and / or to receive user input from the electronic device. [6] Aircraft galley (50) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the component layer (192) further comprises: a scale (150); and / or a heating element; and / or a cooling element. [7] Aircraft kitchen (50) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the worktop (100) is movable between a working position in which the worktop (100) is arranged horizontally and a display position in which the worktop (100) is arranged vertically. [8] Airplane (1), comprising: at least one aircraft kitchen (50) according to one of claims 1 to 7.

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