Method for operating a materials handling vehicle utilizing multiple detection zones
First Claim
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1. A method for operating a materials handling vehicle utilizing multiple detection zones comprising:
- defining a first detection zone comprising a stop zone in an area proximate to the vehicle;
defining a second detection zone comprising a first speed reduction zone in an area proximate to the vehicle;
defining a third detection zone comprising a second speed reduction zone in an area proximate to the vehicle;
performing a first action by a controller on the vehicle if the vehicle is traveling and an obstacle is detected in the stop zone, the first action comprising the controller implementing a stop action to stop the vehicle;
performing a second action by the controller if the vehicle is traveling and an obstacle is detected in the first speed reduction zone, the second action comprising the controller implementing a speed reduction action to reduce the speed of the vehicle to a first predetermined speed if the vehicle is traveling at a speed greater than the first predetermined speed;
performing a third action by the controller if the vehicle is traveling and an obstacle is detected in the second speed reduction zone, the third action comprising the controller implementing a speed reduction action to reduce the speed of the vehicle to a second predetermined speed different than the first predetermined speed if the vehicle is traveling at a speed greater than the second predetermined speed;
detecting whether an operator is positioned on the vehicle with at least one presence sensor; and
allowing the vehicle to travel in response to a travel request signal when the at least one presence sensor designates that no operator is on the vehicle.
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Abstract
A multiple detection zone supplemental remote control system for a materials handling vehicle comprises one or more sensors capable of defining multiple contactless detection zones at least towards the front of the forward travel direction of a remotely controlled vehicle. The vehicle responds to the detection of objects within the designated zones based upon predetermined actions, such as to slow down or stop the vehicle, and/or to take other action, such as to perform a steer angle correction.
120 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method for operating a materials handling vehicle utilizing multiple detection zones comprising:
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defining a first detection zone comprising a stop zone in an area proximate to the vehicle; defining a second detection zone comprising a first speed reduction zone in an area proximate to the vehicle; defining a third detection zone comprising a second speed reduction zone in an area proximate to the vehicle; performing a first action by a controller on the vehicle if the vehicle is traveling and an obstacle is detected in the stop zone, the first action comprising the controller implementing a stop action to stop the vehicle; performing a second action by the controller if the vehicle is traveling and an obstacle is detected in the first speed reduction zone, the second action comprising the controller implementing a speed reduction action to reduce the speed of the vehicle to a first predetermined speed if the vehicle is traveling at a speed greater than the first predetermined speed; performing a third action by the controller if the vehicle is traveling and an obstacle is detected in the second speed reduction zone, the third action comprising the controller implementing a speed reduction action to reduce the speed of the vehicle to a second predetermined speed different than the first predetermined speed if the vehicle is traveling at a speed greater than the second predetermined speed; detecting whether an operator is positioned on the vehicle with at least one presence sensor; and allowing the vehicle to travel in response to a travel request signal when the at least one presence sensor designates that no operator is on the vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method for operating a materials handling vehicle utilizing multiple detection zones comprising:
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defining a first detection zone by at least one contactless obstacle sensor on the vehicle, the first detection zone comprising a stop zone in an area proximate to the vehicle; defining a second detection zone by the at least one contactless obstacle sensor in an area proximate to the vehicle; performing a first action by a controller on the vehicle if the vehicle is traveling and an obstacle is detected in the stop zone, the first action comprising the controller implementing a stop action to stop the vehicle; performing a second action different from the first action by the controller if the vehicle is traveling and an obstacle is detected in the second detection zone; preventing operation of the vehicle by the controller if an obstacle is detected within the stop zone before the vehicle begins travel; detecting whether an operator is positioned on the vehicle with at least one presence sensor; and allowing the vehicle to travel in response to a travel request signal when the at least one presence sensor designates that no operator is on the vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method for operating a materials handling vehicle utilizing multiple detection zones comprising:
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defining a first detection zone by at least one contactless obstacle sensor on the vehicle in an area proximate to the vehicle; defining a second detection zone by the at least one contactless obstacle sensor in an area proximate to the vehicle; performing a first action by a controller on the vehicle if the vehicle is traveling and an obstacle is detected in the first detection zone, the first action comprising the controller implementing one of a stop action to stop the vehicle, a speed reduction action to reduce the speed of the vehicle, and a steer angle correction; performing a second action different from the first action by the controller if the vehicle is traveling and an obstacle is detected in the second detection zone, the second action comprising the controller implementing one of a stop action to stop the vehicle, a speed reduction action to reduce the speed of the vehicle, and a steer angle correction; detecting whether an operator is positioned on the vehicle with at least one presence sensor; and allowing the vehicle to travel in response to a travel request signal when the at least one presence sensor designates that no operator is on the vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification