On-board toilet for a passenger aircraft for visually impaired users
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/EP2026/057399
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2025-03-25
- Filing Date
- 2026-03-17
- Publication Date
- 2026-10-01
Smart Images
Figure EP2026057399_01102026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] RT / ND / dk
[0002] Onboard toilet for a passenger aircraft for visually impaired users
[0003] The invention relates to an on-board toilet (also called "washroom" / "lavatory" / "aircraft toilet") for or in a passenger aircraft and its use by a visually impaired user.
[0004] Some users, especially passengers, on passenger aircraft are visually impaired. These individuals may wish or need to use the aircraft's lavatory.
[0005] In practice, it is known that these visually impaired passengers / users are dependent on human assistance and guidance, or that they have to painstakingly explore the spatial layout and functionalities through tactile means. For example, they need to be told, or must be able to discover through touch, where a toilet seat, a toilet flush button, a sink, etc., are located in an onboard lavatory.
[0006] A faucet or towel dispenser and waste bin are located.
[0007] Measures known from practice are otherwise limited to the provision of markings for tactile sensors (e.g. Braille).
[0008] From EP 2823797 B1, a guidance system for guiding visually impaired passengers on board a vehicle is known, comprising: an interior space on board the vehicle with at least one toilet with enclosing cabin walls; and at least one guiding sanitary handrail; wherein the guiding sanitary handrail is installed along at least a part of the enclosing cabin walls inside the toilet; wherein the guiding sanitary handrail is provided as a tactile guide; wherein the guiding sanitary handrail is provided with visibly highlighted information relating to cabin information; wherein the guiding sanitary handrail is provided with manually touchable information relating to cabin information; wherein a plurality of control elements for controlling toilet functions are provided inside the toilet; and wherein at least some of the control elements are arranged on the guiding sanitary handrail.
[0009] From JP 2001 - 299646 A, a control panel for a toilet is known to enable a visually impaired person to easily confirm the position of a control panel containing a flush button, etc. The control panel is located in a toilet on the inside side of a grab bar and is equipped with light-emitting elements to indicate its presence.
[0010] The object of the present invention is to propose improvements with regard to the use of an on-board toilet in a passenger aircraft by visually impaired users.
[0011] The problem is solved by an onboard toilet according to claim 1. Preferred or advantageous embodiments of the invention and of other invention categories will become apparent from the further claims, the following description and the accompanying figures.
[0012] The lavatory is a toilet for a passenger aircraft. It is designed for visually impaired users.
[0013] The onboard toilet can be operated in at least one blind mode. Optionally, the onboard toilet can also be operated in other modes or switched between them, see below.
[0014] The onboard toilet contains at least one functional component. Each of these functional components is usable by a single user, and potentially also operable by that user. Examples of such functional components include a toilet seat, the edge of a washbasin, a hand basin, a flush button for a toilet, a control element for a faucet, a towel dispenser, a hand dryer, etc.
[0015] The aircraft lavatory is equipped with aids for visually impaired users, comprising three different types: visual, auditory, and tactile. Visual and auditory aids can be activated and deactivated, while tactile aids are simply present in the lavatory. The activatable visual aid always relies on an active light source, either positioned at the point of indication and actively illuminated (e.g., a light frame or backlit switch), or positioned at or near the point of indication and illuminated by a spotlight from a distance. The activatable auditory aid is an audio source whose generated signals are audible to a person in the lavatory or at the location of the functional component.
[0016] Activation means switching on or dimming the corresponding lighting, deactivation means switching it off or dimming it. Activation also means switching on or increasing the volume of the audio source, deactivation means switching it off or decreasing the volume.
[0017] In particular, the visual means is a light source that is located away from the functional component to be displayed or illuminated, e.g. on the ceiling of the onboard toilet, and emits from there a limited cone of light in the manner of a "spotlight", which illuminates only the functional component or a part thereof or only additionally its immediate surroundings.
[0018] At least one of the functional components is spatially associated with an activatable visual aid, meaning the visual aid is spatially linked to the respective functional component. These visual aids represent a primary type of assistive device. "Spatially associated" means that, when activated, the visual aid visually indicates the location of the functional component within the lavatory, for example, through focused / brighter / differently colored / visually highlighted lighting compared to the rest of the lavatory's lighting. In other words, when the visual aid is activated, the functional component is visually highlighted within the lavatory so that visually impaired users with at least some residual vision can better locate or recognize it with this visual assistance. "Activatable" means that it is only activated when needed (e.g., a light is switched on, brighter relative to the rest of the lavatory).(The area around the illuminated location is switched on) and thus the functional component stands out more clearly from the rest of the on-board toilet.
[0019] A second type of assistive device is audio. At least one of the functional components is therefore associated with a spatially linked, also activatable, audio device. The audio device, as described above, can also be activated and is spatially linked to the functional component. In the case of the audio device, "activation" means the output of an audio signal. For example, an audio description explains to a visually impaired user where the relevant functional component is located in the lavatory, how to operate it, and so on. This assistive device is also suitable for completely blind users.
[0020] The third and final type of aid in the aircraft lavatory is tactile means. At least one of the functional components is assigned a spatially associated tactile means. In this case, at least one of the tactile means is located directly adjacent to the functional component; that is, the functional component itself incorporates the tactile means, or the functional component (in particular, at least a part of it) is itself designed as a tactile means (in particular, at least a part of it). Tactile means are those means that the user can feel and recognize. These are also spatially associated with the functional component, for example, by being attached directly to it, leading to it along a path, or indicating a direction. Alternatively, they provide a description, operating instructions in tactile plain text, symbols, Braille, etc., or serve as an aid for locating the functional component, etc.
[0021] A functional component can be assigned two different types of aids, i.e., a visual aid and an audio aid, or an audio aid and a tactile aid, or a visual aid and a tactile aid. Alternatively, it can be assigned all three types, i.e., a visual aid, an audio aid, and a tactile aid.
[0022] In particular, at least one, in particular several, in particular all, functional components are assigned at least one visual means, at least one audio means, and at least one tactile means.
[0023] As already indicated above, the respective visual aid is achieved through a brighter, area-specific illumination ("spotlight") associated with the functional component compared to the rest of the lavatory. The functional component itself is illuminated, i.e., the location within the lavatory where the functional component is situated. "Area-specific" means that only a specific area of the lavatory, at the location of the functional component, and thus the functional component itself, is illuminated (either at all, brighter, or differently than the surrounding area / the rest of the lavatory). This visual highlighting can be achieved through a constant illumination for the duration of the activation, or, for example, through a flashing illumination of the same or different brightness compared to the rest of the lavatory. As explained above, this provides a clearly perceptible visual indication of the functional component's location through brightening or other optical effects.
[0024] The audio device is therefore implemented through an audio output in the onboard toilet associated with the functional component. As explained above, the audio output thus refers to the functional component.
[0025] The onboard toilet also contains a control unit. This unit is configured to activate all assistive devices associated with a specific functional component in blind mode. Specifically, in blind mode, both the audio and visual aids are activated for at least one, and especially several, and especially all of the functional components, with the tactile aid also being assigned to that functional component.
[0026] The "use" of a functional component can either be current, actual use by the user, intended use by the user, or potential use of a functional component that, for example, is expected or could be used according to an unspecified prediction rule. It is also possible, for instance, to explain or draw the user's attention to the respective functional component, regardless of whether the user actually intends to use it or whether it is expected that they will. For example, as part of the "use" process, all assistive device-equipped functional components can be displayed or explained to the user upon entering the restroom.
[0027] According to the invention, this results in a system for supporting visually impaired passengers in the on-board / aircraft toilet.
[0028] The system, or rather the appropriately designed lavatory, facilitates the use of the lavatory for blind and otherwise visually impaired passengers through visual, auditory, and tactile aids. It offers special lighting elements, in particular special lighting elements with tactile elements or tactile elements highlighted by a visual aid, an audio mode (audio aid) for guidance, targeted lighting control, and, in particular, touchless functions (functional element) with audio announcements (associated audio aid). The system can also switch between a normal mode (normal mode, see below) and a special scenario for blind (blind mode) / partially blind users (partial mode).
[0029] The invention offers a technical solution that enables blind and visually impaired passengers or users to orient themselves and use an onboard toilet independently and without outside assistance.
[0030] The invention is based on the finding that, in practice, only accessible aircraft toilets are known that primarily cater to people with reduced mobility. With regard to visually impaired people, it is only known in practice to improve aircraft toilets, at least partially, through high-contrast colors and tactile markings for blind and visually impaired passengers.
[0031] Such an aircraft toilet is known, for example, from "The FACC LAV4ALL is the first 100% barrier-free aircraft toilet", https: / / www.sfk.at / referenz / barrierefreie-flugzeugtoilette-face-Iav4all / , website, accessed on 26.02.2025 or "FACC “LAV4ALL”: Innovation in aircraft interior design", https: / / press.face.com / news-face-Iav4all-innovation-in-der-flugzeuginnenausstattung?id=107992&menueid=14307&l=deutsch, website, accessed on 26.02.2025.
[0032] The invention facilitates the use of onboard toilets for blind and visually impaired passengers through the use of visual, auditory, and tactile aids. In particular, it offers special lighting elements with tactile elements (a tactile element is also associated with a visual element, i.e., the visual element illuminates the tactile element), an audio mode (audio element) for guidance, and targeted lighting control (visual element) to create a barrier-free environment.
[0033] The invention combines visual, auditory and tactile aids, offers targeted lighting control and in particular improved touchless function (aids assigned to contactless functional component) to enable blind and visually impaired passengers / users to use the on-board toilet more safely, comfortably and independently.
[0034] The invention is based on the understanding that while suitable support for visually impaired individuals could be provided, for example, through smartphones and / or smart glasses, these devices would have to be carried by the user. The invention therefore offers a simpler alternative that utilizes a combination of visual, auditory, and tactile aids without requiring additional devices (e.g., smartphones / smart glasses).
[0035] The invention combines visual, auditory, and tactile aids that together provide comprehensive support for blind and visually impaired passengers. In contrast to the prior art, which relies primarily on (uncontrolled, e.g., only color-accented) visual and tactile elements, the solution according to the invention also integrates audio announcements (audio means) and controlled lighting (visual means that can be activated and deactivated). Both audio (audio means) and light (visual means) are switched context-dependently (depending on the current, past, anticipated, or planned use of a functional component, see above) to significantly improve the orientation and safety of users in the lavatory and to enable more user-friendly and barrier-free independent use of the lavatory.
[0036] In a preferred embodiment, at least one of the functional components is assigned at least two aids of different types. This means, as explained above, that the respective functional component is assigned a visual and an audio aid, or a visual and a tactile aid, or an audio and a tactile aid. Alternatively, as already explained above, the respective functional component may even be assigned all three types of aids: a visual aid, an audio aid, and a tactile aid. This provides even better support for the user in using / locating the information about the respective functional component.
[0037] In a preferred embodiment, at least one of the functional elements is assigned at least one tactile means and at least one visual means. Furthermore, the control unit is configured to visually highlight at least one of these tactile means from its surroundings using at least one of these visual means. This is a variant of the aforementioned embodiment in which the relevant functional component is assigned at least two types of aids. This embodiment offers the advantage that the user can thus better locate the tactile means using the visual means, in order to pinpoint its location and then use it, for example, to read Braille text stored there. Generally speaking, for "area-specific illumination" or "highlighting," the control unit can, for example, also have access to the remaining lighting of the onboard toilet. Thus, it can, for example,The lights can be dimmed or switched off to illuminate or highlight functional components or tactile elements (only) in specific areas ("area" referring to the entire lavatory). In other words, the functional component is illuminated more brightly and / or differently (e.g., flashing, a different color, etc.) than its surroundings or even the rest of the lavatory.
[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the onboard toilet can optionally be operated in a partial mode as an alternative to the blind mode. The control unit is configured to activate only the visual aid assigned to a specific functional component in partial mode, but not the corresponding audio aid. This allows for quiet or silent use of the onboard toilet with regard to audio output, while still providing visual support for the user. This is particularly useful for users who are not completely blind and still possess some residual vision to orient themselves in the onboard toilet using only the visual aids, without needing the audio aids. Thus, the onboard toilet can also be adapted for use by visually impaired, but not blind, users. The audio aids can be deactivated if necessary.different, i.e. not used to indicate the functional elements, e.g. to play background music (see below for "normal mode").
[0039] In a preferred embodiment, at least one of the visual means is designed, at least partially, as internal illumination of the associated functional component and / or – if present – as illumination of a tactile means also associated with the functional component. This allows for particularly well-localized, active illumination of the functional component / tactile means. Such visual means can be designed, for example, as a backlit switch, a light frame around a waste disposal flap, a light strip as edge lighting of a step (tripping hazard), or as a self-illuminating / backlit / illuminated-framed tactile means.
[0040] In a preferred embodiment, at least one of the visual means is designed, at least partially, as external illumination of the associated functional component and / or—if present—as external illumination of a tactile means also associated with the functional component. Thus, the functional component / tactile means itself does not need to be luminous. For example, a simple, unilluminated switch can be used as the functional component instead. This switch is then illuminated externally, i.e., by a lighting device located outside the functional component. Examples of this include illuminating a toilet paper holder, a step, or a tactile means with a spotlight mounted on or away from the respective functional component / tactile means in an aircraft lavatory.
[0041] In a preferred embodiment, at least one of the tactile means is a tactilely perceptible structured symbol or letter. The symbol or letter can be part of a standard typeface (capital letters, words, abbreviations) or part of a tactile writing system (e.g., Braille). Symbols can be, for example, a water droplet to indicate a faucet, a wavy line to indicate an air-operated hand dryer, etc. The tactile means are thus particularly intuitive for users and may provide explanations or descriptions of the respective functional components.
[0042] In a preferred embodiment, at least one of the functional components is a non-contact functional component. Thus, the invention can also include non-contact functional components in the concept according to the invention.
[0043] In one variant of this embodiment, at least one of the contactless functional components is assigned an audio means. Furthermore, the control unit and the functional component are jointly configured to activate at least one of the assigned audio means upon a first contactless request to one of these contactless functional components, such that it explains its function in the form of an audio output.
[0044] Furthermore, the control unit and the functional component are designed to activate the respective functional component only upon a subsequent, renewed contactless request.
[0045] A "subsequent requirement" is understood to mean, in particular, that a condition exists under which a requirement of the functional component is considered "subsequent." For example, a time period may be specified within which the second requirement must be made after the first. A requirement made only after the expiration of this time period is again considered a "first requirement."
[0046] This design is used particularly in blind mode. Thus, before actually using the functional component, the user is first made aware of its function. Accidental activation or use of the functional component is therefore prevented, especially in the case of stowaways.
[0047] In a preferred embodiment, at least one of the audio means is designed in such a way that it alerts a user, with regard to a specific functional component, to a potentially subsequent use of another of the functional components.
[0048] "Subsequently" here refers to a specific sequence of potential uses of the functional components, not to the audio prompt itself. The audio prompt can occur before, but especially during or after, the use of the specific functional component. This facilitates the sequential use of different functional components for the user.
[0049] For example, after using the toilet, the user may be informed of the potential subsequent use of a hand basin or a tap. Alternatively, while using a sink, the user may be informed of the potential subsequent use of a soap dispenser and a hand dryer.
[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the onboard toilet can optionally be operated in a normal mode in addition to the blind mode and, if applicable, the partial mode, or it can be switched between the different modes. The control unit is then configured so that, in normal mode, none of the aids, or at least one of the aids, is activated solely for design purposes – that is, not in conjunction with any of the assistance features for one of the functional components described above.
[0051] This means that the onboard toilet can be used in the conventional way by passengers without visual impairments, without the need for assistive devices to provide them with specific guidance. However, these devices can still serve a dual purpose, being used for other purposes besides assisting visually impaired individuals. For example, audio output can be used for background noise or music. Visual aids can be used, for instance, to illuminate the onboard toilet in an aesthetically pleasing way.
[0052] The object of the invention is also solved by a passenger aircraft according to claim 12. This aircraft contains the on-board toilet according to the invention.
[0053] The passenger aircraft and at least some of its possible embodiments, as well as their respective advantages, have already been explained in substance in connection with the onboard toilet according to the invention. In particular, the preferred embodiments mentioned above in connection with the onboard toilet also constitute preferred embodiments of the passenger aircraft.
[0054] The object of the invention is also solved by a method according to claim 13. This serves to operate the on-board toilet or the passenger aircraft according to the invention.
[0055] In this procedure, the onboard toilet is operated in blind mode. In blind mode, all aids assigned to a specific functional component are activated for each use of that component. For example, for one of the functional components, both the audio mode (audio aids) and targeted lighting control (visual aids) are activated for that component.
[0056] In particular, for at least one of the functional components to which a tactile means is also assigned, both the audio means assigned to it and the visual means assigned to it are activated.
[0057] The invention is based on the following findings, observations, and considerations and further comprises the following preferred embodiments. These embodiments are sometimes referred to simply as "the invention." The embodiments may also include parts or combinations of the embodiments mentioned above, or correspond to them, and / or may also include previously unmentioned embodiments. The invention particularly comprises the following concept:
[0058] 1. Lighting elements (visual aids) for blind and partially blind people:
[0059] • Special lighting elements / illuminated switches help partially blind passengers to find their way around the toilet more easily. These elements increase contrast and make important areas visible.
[0060] • Tactile elements for the blind: The light elements / switches can also contain tactile elements (symbols appropriate to the function, profile lettering / large print and Braille) so that they can be felt.
[0061] 2. Audio mode (audio means):
[0062] • A special audio mode can be activated that guides users through the toilet (using voice output from the audio device). Important elements such as the flush, soap, and faucet are explained via audio announcement.
[0063] • After using the toilet, the user is informed about the next steps (potentially subsequent use of another of the functional components), e.g. washing hands.
[0064] 3. Lighting control (visual aids):
[0065] • The lighting of the various elements can be controlled in a targeted manner to make them easier to find and to explain the sequence of use.
[0066] 4. Touchless functions (functional components that operate without contact):
[0067] • Touchless functions (functional components that operate without physical contact) are equipped with additional audio prompts. In blind mode, these functions are only activated after the second activation (subsequent touchless request) to prevent incorrect operation. During the first activation (first touchless request), only the function is explained (audio prompt, speech output).
[0068] 5. Switching between scenarios (modes):
[0069] • The system can switch between a normal scenario (normal mode) and a special scenario for blind people (blind mode).
[0070] • In the normal scenario, the lighting is design-oriented.
[0071] • In the scenario for partially blind individuals (partial mode), the contrasts are increased by the lighting. Further features, effects, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention and the accompanying figures. These figures show, in each case in a schematic diagram:
[0072] Figure 1 shows a section of a passenger aircraft, namely its on-board toilet; Figure 2 shows a flowchart for a procedure for operating the on-board toilet or the passenger aircraft.
[0073] Figure 1 shows a section of a passenger aircraft 2, namely its onboard toilet 4. The onboard toilet 4 contains a variety of functional components 6.
[0074] Functional component 6a is a washbasin edge, while the touchless functional components 6b, c, and d are touchless sensors for a hand basin 32. The sensor components 6b, c, and d are installed in a washbasin tap 48 above the hand basin 32. The touchless functional components 6b, c, and d are equipped with an audio guide, as explained below. The sensors are: a sensor for dispensing soap from a soap dispenser (not shown), a sensor for starting the flow of water from a tap 46 of the washbasin 32, and a sensor for activating a hot air hand dryer (not shown).The functional components 6b,c,d / sensors are located below outlets for soap (soap dispenser), hot air (hand dryer) and, if applicable, water, which are not shown in detail, if the tap 46 is installed in the washbasin fitting 48 above the hand basin 32 in an alternative embodiment indicated here only by an arrow.
[0075] The functional component 6e is a backlit flush button 34 for triggering a toilet flush, the functional component 6f is a waste flap 36 with a light frame.
[0076] Functional component 6g is an illuminated toilet paper holder 38, functional component 6h is an illuminated dispenser 40 for toilet hygiene pads, functional components 6i and j are further illuminated functional elements not described in detail. Finally, functional component 6k is a backlit switch or call button for cabin staff (attendant call button).
[0077] The onboard toilet 4 also contains several aids 10 of three different basic types for visually impaired users, namely visual aids 12, audio aids 14 and tactile aids 16.
[0078] The audio elements 14 are designated in this example with the single reference symbol "14". The actual individual audio elements are various announcements / audio outputs with different content, each relating to one of the functional components 6a-l. However, for the sake of simplicity, these are not shown separately here, but only generally / together with the reference symbol "14".
[0079] Each of the visual aids 12, audio aids 14, and tactile aids 16 is assigned to one of the functional components 6a-k; in some cases, two or three of the aids 10 of different types are also assigned to the functional components 6a-k. Furthermore, visual aids 12 and / or audio aids 14 can, more precisely, also be assigned to the associated tactile aid 16 within the framework of their assignment to one of the functional components 6.
[0080] The washbasin edge 30, as functional component 6a, is assigned a tactile element 16a such that it is itself designed as a tactile element 16a. The tactile element 16a serves to enable a visually impaired or blind user of the onboard toilet 4 to feel their way along the marked washbasin edge to the flush button 34. The washbasin edge 30 is therefore a circumferential tactile element that points to the functional component 6e in the form of the flush button 34.
[0081] The washbasin edge 30 also contains four further dedicated tactile means 16e: These are tactile elements that have symbols, profile lettering / font and Braille and indicate the position of the waste flap 36, the tap 46, the soap dispenser and the hand dryer.
[0082] The tactile aids 16e are, or thus have, tactilely perceptible structured symbols or letters in standard or Braille. However, the washbasin edge 30 is also assigned an audio aid 14, which can output explanations about the washbasin edge 30 in the form of an audio output (see below). Thus, for example, this functional component 6a is assigned two of the aids 10 of different types (tactile and visual).
[0083] Each of the handwashing basins 32, or each of the touchless operating sensors in the form of functional elements 6b, c, d, is assigned a tactile element 16b, c, d. The tactile elements 16b, c, d are tactile components that carry information relevant to the respective function of the functional components 6b, c, d. This information is provided in the form of symbols, lettering / text, and Braille.
[0084] The functional components 6b, c, d, more precisely the tactile means 16b, c, d, are assigned not only tactile aids 10 but also aids 10 of a second type, namely optical. These are visual aids 12a, b, c, each in the form of an actively luminous backlight integrated into the tactile means 16b, c, d. Thus, the washbasin fitting 48 consists of combined visual (12a, b, c) and tactile (16b, c, d) aids.
[0085] The corresponding visual means 12a,b,c are therefore designed as internal self-illumination of the associated tactile means 16b, c,d.
[0086] Functional components 6b, c, d are also assigned an audio aid 14, which can output explanations of functional components 6b, c, d in the form of an audio output (see below). Thus, for example, three aids 10 of all different types (tactile, visual, and audio) are assigned to these functional components 6b, c, d.
[0087] The functional component 6e is assigned a visual means 12d in the form of an (actively self-illuminating) backlighting of the switch or flush button 34.
[0088] The corresponding visual means 12d is therefore designed as internal self-illumination of the associated functional component 6e.
[0089] The waste flap 36, in the form of functional component 6f, is also assigned a (actively illuminated) light frame surrounding the edge of the flap opening as a visual element 12e. The functional components 6g,h,i,j are also assigned visual elements 12f,g,h,i in the form of lighting elements, which at least partially indicate their respective positions in the lavatory 4. The lighting elements are located above the dispensing points (indicated by rectangles). These are light points / spots / narrowly defined illuminated areas originating from spotlight lighting integrated within the vicinity of the respective functional component 6g,h,i,j. The light sources for generating the spotlights are located some distance from the functional components 6g,h,i,j and the visual elements 12f,g,h,i,e.g., in a ceiling of the lavatory 4 in addition to the other ceiling lighting 50 (not shown here).The light sources of the spotlights are the light-generating elements of the visual means 12f,g,h,i. In other words, corresponding, very narrowly defined cones of light (indicated in the figure by a dashed line) are directed towards the corresponding locations of the onboard toilet 4 in order to provide the corresponding visual means 12f,g, h, i in the form of spotlight illumination of the functional components 6g,h,i,j.
[0090] A ceiling light 50 in the ceiling is simply a room light that can be dimmed, but otherwise has nothing to do with the guidance for visually impaired passengers.
[0091] The corresponding visual means 12f,g,h,i are therefore designed as external external illumination of the functional components 6g,h,i,j.
[0092] Another (now again actively self-illuminating) visual means 12j is arranged in the form of a linear edge lighting or a light strip on a functional component 6I, namely a threshold 44 or step at the entrance of the on-board toilet 4 or from its floor, in order to mark it as a tripping hazard.
[0093] Finally, the functional component 6k is assigned a visual means 12k in the form of backlighting of the switch or call button 42.
[0094] Furthermore, the onboard toilet 4 features an audio device 14, shown here only symbolically, as a third-type (acoustic) aid. This device can emit acoustic signals or sound into the onboard toilet 4 and is designed as a loudspeaker. Thus, audio output, in particular speech output, can be realized in the onboard toilet 4. The audio device 14 is assigned to all functional components 6a-l in order to output information about them, which can also be heard by blind passengers when using the onboard toilet 4.
[0095] The onboard toilet is also assigned a control unit 18, which is only symbolically indicated in Figure 1. This unit is used to control all auxiliary equipment 10. The control unit is operated here in a blind mode BM.
[0096] In blind mode BM, when one of the functional components 6a-l is used, all corresponding aids 10 assigned to that functional component 6a-l are activated. This activation is limited to the activatable aids 10 in the form of visual aids 12 (switching on the respective lighting) and audio aids 14 (outputting an audio signal). The tactile aids 16 are already present in the onboard toilet 4 and therefore cannot be "activated" in the strict sense.
[0097] For example, this is how it activates:
[0098] • When using the respective contactless sensors in the form of functional components 6b, c, d, the audio device 14 is activated to output an audio guide for operating the respective sensor. Depending on the current explanation, it also activates the visual devices 12a, b, c to indicate the corresponding tactile devices 16b, c, d. • Upon the user's initial approach to the respective sensor (functional components 6b, c, d), a message indicating its function is displayed, for example, "This is a soap dispenser." The function is only triggered upon a second approach / request, in this case, dispensing soap.
[0099] The control unit 18 is therefore designed to first activate the audio device 14, which explains the function of the corresponding functional component 6b,c,d, upon a first contactless request, and only to activate the functional component 6b,c,d itself upon a subsequent renewed request.
[0100] • To use the toilet flush / flush button 34 in the form of functional component 6e, it activates both the relevant visual means 12d, namely its backlighting, and the associated audio means 14 in the form of an announcement: "The toilet flush is located at the end of the tactile washbasin edge". • The same applies analogously to the waste disposal flap 36 in the form of functional component 6f, as well as to the call button 42 in the form of functional component 6k, and for a general explanation of functional components 6g, h, i, j.
[0101] The corresponding audio output via the audio device 14 and the successive activation of the relevant visual devices 12a-k as the explanation progresses already takes place when the user enters the on-board toilet 4, in order to inform him in advance about all functional components 6a-l.
[0102] In addition, the assistive devices 10 are activated when certain functional components 6a-l are currently being used or are potentially about to be used. For example, after pressing the flush button 34, the visual devices 12a-c and the audio device 14 are activated to indicate the possibility of using the handwashing basin 32 and its corresponding controls (functional components 6b, c, d).
[0103] The audio device 14 is therefore designed in such a way that it alerts a user, with regard to a specific functional component 6e, namely the actuation of the flush button 34, to a potentially subsequent use of a further functional component 6b,c,d, namely the non-contact sensors that allow the potential use of the hand basin 32.
[0104] With regard to the tactile means 16b, c, d, the control unit 18 is thus configured to visually highlight the corresponding tactile means 16b, c, d from its surroundings using the relevant visual means 12a, b, c. The corresponding lighting stands out in brightness from the surroundings of the tactile means 16b, c, d in the onboard toilet 4, so that they are clearly visible.
[0105] The onboard toilet 4 can also be operated in a partial mode TM. When operated in partial mode TM, the control unit 18 is configured to activate only the respective visual aid 12a-k for the use of the functional components 6a-l, but not the respective audio aid 14. In other words, in partial mode TM, only visual, but not audio-based, support is provided to the user of the onboard toilet 4.
[0106] Furthermore, the onboard toilet 4 can be operated in normal mode NM. The control unit 18 is configured not to activate any of the aids 10 in normal mode NM (the non-activatable aids 10 in the form of the tactile aids 16a-d remain unchanged).
[0107] Alternatively, in normal mode (NM), it is possible to activate at least one of the aids 10 for design purposes only, i.e., not in conjunction with any of the aids for one of the respective functional components 6 explained above. In the example, in normal mode (NM), the audio aid 14 is activated to generate background music. The visual aids 12f,g,h,i integrated into the ceiling of the lavatory 4 are activated, but not to illuminate the corresponding functional components; rather, they are used to illuminate the lavatory 4 in a visually appealing way.
[0108] Figure 2 illustrates a method for operating the onboard toilet 4 or the passenger aircraft 2 according to Figure 1. In the first step of the method, the onboard toilet 4 is operated or switched in blind mode. In a second step S2, in blind mode BM, all aids 10 assigned to each of the functional components 6, in the form of visual aids 12 and / or audio aids 14, are activated for each use of the respective functional component 6. The tactile aids 16 are already present and do not need to be activated. Reference sign list
[0109] 2 passenger aircraft
[0110] 4 Onboard toilets
[0111] 6a-l Functional components
[0112] 10 aids
[0113] 12a-k Visual aids
[0114] 14 Audio equipment
[0115] 16a-e Tactile means
[0116] 18 Control unit
[0117] 30 Washbasin edge
[0118] 32 handwashing basins
[0119] 34 flush button
[0120] 36 garbage chute
[0121] 38 toilet paper holders
[0122] 40 dispensers (toilet hygiene pads)
[0123] 42 Call button
[0124] 44 Threshold
[0125] 46 Faucet
[0126] 48 Washbasin tap
[0127] 50 Ceiling lights
[0128] BM Blind Mode
[0129] TM Submode
[0130] NM Normal mode
[0131] S1,2 step
Claims
PATENT CLAIMS 1. Onboard toilet (4) for a passenger aircraft (2) for visually impaired users, - wherein the onboard toilet (4) is operable in at least a blind mode (BM), - with at least one functional component (6a-l) that can be used or operated by the user, - where as an aid (10) for the users: - at least one of the functional components (6a-l) is a spatially associated activatable visual aid (12a-k), and - at least one of the functional components (6a-l) is a spatially associated activatable audio device (14), and - at least one of the functional components (6a-l) is assigned a spatially associated tactile means (16a-d), - wherein the visual means (12a-k) is realized by a partial illumination of the functional component (6a-l) in the on-board toilet (4) associated with the functional component (6a-l), - wherein the audio means (14) is realized by an audio output associated with the functional component (6a-l) in the on-board toilet (4) - with a control unit (18) which is set up to activate, in blind mode (BM), all aids (10) assigned to each of the respective functional components (6a-l) for each use of each of the functional components (6a-l).
2. Onboard toilet (4) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that at least one of the functional components (6a-l) is assigned two or all three aids (10) of different types.
3. Onboard toilet (4) according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that - at least one of the functional components (6a-l) is assigned at least one tactile means (16a-d) and at least one visual means (12a-k),- and the control unit (18) is configured to visually highlight at least one of the tactile means (16a-d) from its surroundings by means of at least one of the visual means (12a-k).
4. Onboard toilet (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the onboard toilet (4) can optionally also be operated in a partial mode (TM), whereby the control unit (18) is configured to activate, in partial mode (TM), only the visual means (12a-k) assigned to the functional component (6a-l) for each use of one of the functional components (6a-l), but not the assigned audio means (14).
5. Onboard toilet (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that at least one of the visual means (12a-k) is designed at least partially as internal self-illumination of the associated functional component (6a-l) and / or - if present - one of the tactile means (16a-d) additionally assigned to the functional component (6a-l).
6. Onboard toilet (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that at least one of the visual means (12a-k) is designed at least partially as external external lighting of the associated functional component (6a-l) and / or - if present - one of the tactile means (16a-d) additionally assigned to the functional component (6a-l).
7. Onboard toilet (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that at least one of the tactile means (16a-d) is or contains a tactilely perceptible structured symbol or a letter of a normal script or of braille.
8. Onboard toilet (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that at least one of the functional components (6a-l) is a non-contact functional component.
9. Onboard toilet (4) according to claim 8, characterized by the fact that - at least one of the non-contact functional components (6a-l) is assigned an audio device (14), and - the control unit (18) and / or the functional component (6a-l) are set up together for this purpose, - upon a first contactless request from one of these contactless functional components (6a-l), at least one of the associated audio means (14) is activated in such a way that it explains its function in the form of an audio output, - and only activate the functional component (6a-l) itself upon a subsequent renewed contactless request.
10. Onboard toilet (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that at least one of the audio means (14) is designed in such a way as to indicate to the user, with regard to a specific of the functional components (6a-l), a potentially subsequent use of another of the functional components (6a-l).
11. Onboard toilet (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the on-board toilet (4) can optionally also be operated in a normal mode (NM), whereby the control unit (18) is configured to not activate any of the aids (10) in normal mode (NM) or to activate at least one of the aids (10) only for design purposes.
12. Passenger aircraft (2), with the onboard toilet (4) according to one of the preceding claims.
13. Method for operating an on-board toilet (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 or a passenger aircraft (2) according to claim 12, wherein: - the on-board toilet (4) is operated in blind mode (BM), - in blind mode (BM) for each use of one of the functional components (6a-l) all aids (10) assigned to the functional component (6a-l) are activated.