Performance tuning of materials handling vehicles

Abstract

A material handling vehicle receives a wirelessly transmitted performance tuning profile and, in response, adjusts at least one operational capability. While the material handling vehicle operates in its work environment, the performance tuning profile can be dynamically updated based on multiple different factors, including operation, operator, environment, others, or combinations thereof. An additional aspect provides a graphical user interface that allows individuals (such as supervisors) to create a library of performance tuning profiles and to create and / or program a rule engine to automatically transmit appropriate performance tuning profiles to the corresponding material handling vehicle in response to the detection of a corresponding event associated with a programming rule.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The various aspects of this article generally relate to the control of the operational performance of material handling vehicles, and more specifically to the monitoring, management, control, and combinations thereof of the operational performance of material handling vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] Material handling vehicles are typically used for picking and moving inventory in facilities such as warehouses and distribution centers. These vehicles typically include a power unit and a load-carrying assembly, which may include load-carrying forks. An operator's cab, containing the necessary instruments and controls for operating the vehicle, may also be provided.

[0003] Furthermore, wireless strategies are deployed by various enterprises to improve operational efficiency and accuracy. For example, in a typical warehouse implementation, forklifts are equipped with communication devices that link the corresponding forklift operator to a management system running on an associated computer system via wireless transceivers. Essentially, the communication devices serve as an interface to the management system to guide the forklift operator's tasks, for example, by instructing the forklift operator where and / or how to pick, pack, store, move, segment, handle, or otherwise manipulate items within the facility. Summary of the Invention

[0004] A system for controlling the performance of a fleet of material handling vehicles is provided. The system includes a central database, a remote processor, and a fleet of material handling vehicles. The central database stores electronic performance tuning profiles. The remote processor is coupled to a memory and programmed by instructions in the memory that cause the remote processor to monitor the activity of the fleet of material handling vehicles to detect trigger events. Upon detecting a trigger event, the remote processor wirelessly transmits an electronic performance tuning profile selected from the electronic performance tuning profiles stored in the central database to the corresponding material handling vehicle in the fleet. The corresponding material handling vehicle includes a control module with a processor that receives the wirelessly transmitted electronic performance tuning profile and transmits at least one command across the vehicle network of the material handling vehicles to modify the performance of the material handling vehicle according to the settings in the received electronic performance tuning profile. Furthermore, displays on the material handling vehicles output indications of the performance tuning adjustments made to the material handling vehicles.

[0005] In some embodiments, a graphical user interface running on a display on the material handling vehicle prompts the vehicle operator to accept or reject a received performance tuning profile. In some variations of this embodiment, the display includes attributes showing the vehicle operator properties of at least one factor of the drive performance tuning adjustments.

[0006] In some embodiments, the display outputs a graphical view of the current electronic performance tuning profile and allows the vehicle operator to interact with the graphical view to adjust performance tuning for the vehicle. For example, the vehicle operator may be able to decrease one or more performance settings, but not increase any of the displayed performance settings.

[0007] In some embodiments, the remote processor reviews the history of vehicle data (e.g., vehicle data associated with the vehicle operator, other data, etc.) within a predetermined time window to determine whether to trigger changes to the electronic performance tuning profile.

[0008] In some embodiments, the modified performance of the material handling vehicle includes at least one of the following: maximum speed; maximum acceleration; maximum braking; maximum lifting height; maximum lifting speed; maximum lifting acceleration; maximum lifting deceleration; maximum load weight; use of hybrid features; or use of automation features of the material handling vehicle.

[0009] In some embodiments, a triggering event is defined by one or more factors. For example, a triggering event can be defined by detecting that a material handling vehicle is participating in a new application; a triggering event can be defined by detecting that a material handling vehicle is participating in a new task; a triggering event can be defined by detecting that a material handling vehicle is encountering new operating conditions; a triggering event can be defined by detecting that a material handling vehicle is encountering new environmental conditions; a triggering event can be defined by detecting that an operator logs into a material handling vehicle, and combinations thereof, etc.

[0010] In some embodiments, the display outputs an indication of performance tuning settings, which may optionally trigger a response from the vehicle operator. For example, the display may output a message to the vehicle operator indicating that the control module has received a new performance tuning profile from a remote source, whereby the display provides input for the operator to accept or reject the new performance tuning profile. In response, an acknowledgment is sent back to a remote server. This acknowledgment is stored in a data source that stores data associated with the vehicle operator. The display may also output confirmation related to the performance tuning profile settings to the vehicle operator.

[0011] In some embodiments, the graphical user interface (e.g., a web interface) provides a programming interface to create new performance tuning profiles and store them in a database. The graphical user interface may also provide a programming interface to create new rules specifying when material handling vehicles should load new performance tuning profiles.

[0012] Furthermore, the computer-implemented process for controlling the performance of a fleet of material handling vehicles includes storing electronic performance tuning profiles in a central database. The process also includes monitoring the activity of the fleet of material handling vehicles to detect trigger events. Upon detecting a trigger event, a remote processor wirelessly transmits an electronic performance tuning profile selected from the profiles stored in the central database to the corresponding material handling vehicle in the fleet associated with the trigger event. The process also includes the corresponding material handling vehicle receiving the wirelessly transmitted electronic performance tuning profile and transmitting at least one command across the vehicle network of the corresponding material handling vehicle to modify the performance of the material handling vehicle according to the settings in the electronic performance tuning profile. Further, the process includes displaying an indication that performance tuning adjustments have been made to the material handling vehicle on the vehicle's display.

[0013] Furthermore, a system for controlling the performance of material handling vehicles includes a central database storing electronic performance tuning profiles and a remote processor coupled to the memory. The remote processor is programmed by instructions in the memory to monitor the activity of a fleet of material handling vehicles to detect triggering events. Upon detecting a triggering event, the remote processor wirelessly transmits an electronic performance tuning profile selected from the electronic performance tuning profiles stored in the central database to the corresponding material handling vehicle in the fleet.

[0014] The corresponding material handling vehicle includes a control module with a processor that receives an electronic performance tuning profile transmitted wirelessly and transmits at least one command across the vehicle network of the material handling vehicle to modify the performance of the material handling vehicle according to the settings in the electronic performance tuning profile. Furthermore, a display on the material handling vehicle outputs at least one widget that visually indicates that performance tuning adjustments have been made to the material handling vehicle. Moreover, input / output allows the vehicle operator to interact with at least one widget to modify the current performance tuning profile, and after a change to the current performance tuning profile, transmits at least one command across the vehicle network of the material handling vehicle to modify the performance of the material handling vehicle according to the modified settings in the electronic performance tuning profile. In some embodiments, the material handling vehicle operator can only lower the settings below the maximum setting in the current performance tuning profile instance. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the environment in which material handling vehicles operate;

[0016] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of several components of a material handling vehicle capable of long-range wireless communication;

[0017] Figure 3AThis is a schematic diagram of a display installed on a material handling vehicle, where a graphical user interface presents a dashboard that displays performance tuning for the material handling vehicle.

[0018] Figure 3B This is a schematic diagram of a display installed on a material handling vehicle, in which a graphical user interface presents a material handling vehicle performance tuning widget that illustrates performance tuning parameters and attributes.

[0019] Figure 3C This is a schematic diagram of a display installed on a material handling vehicle, in which a graphical user interface presents a server request to change a performance tuning profile, thereby requesting operator input to accept changes to the material handling vehicle performance tuning widget.

[0020] Figure 3D This is a schematic diagram of a display installed on a material handling vehicle, in which a graphical user interface presents a material handling vehicle performance tuning widget that allows the vehicle operator to change the current performance tuning profile installed on the material handling vehicle.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a display, such as one coupled to a desktop computer, server, laptop computer, tablet computer, etc., in which a graphical user interface presents a dashboard and / or interface that displays material handling vehicle performance tuning options and allows users to define performance tuning profiles, rules for when to apply performance tuning profiles, and execute the functions and features described in more detail herein; and

[0022] Figure 5 It is a block diagram of a computer system having a computer-readable storage medium for implementing the functions described in more detail herein.

[0023] In the following detailed description of the illustrated embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part thereof, and specific embodiments that may be practiced are shown in the drawings by way of illustration rather than limitation.

[0024] Furthermore, unless otherwise specifically stated herein, any feature described herein, including such features described with respect to the foregoing figures, can be combined in any combination that does not contradict operation. Therefore, the features described in successive paragraphs herein can be combined in any order indicated by a particular embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Material handling vehicles possess various capabilities that exhibit maximum operational limits, such as maximum travel speed, maximum travel acceleration, maximum brake deceleration, maximum lifting speed, maximum lifting height, and maximum load weight. As an additional example, some material handling vehicle functions can be enabled or disabled, such as hybrid and automated control.

[0026] In some cases, the maximum operational limits of one or more capabilities may exceed those that certain applications, tasks, conditions, environments, operators, etc., may require or expect. As a further example, in some cases, capabilities such as hybrid, advanced automation capabilities may be selectively enabled, disabled, or modified for certain applications, tasks, conditions, environments, operators, etc. Therefore, various aspects of this paper provide for the "performance tuning" of material handling vehicles.

[0027] As used herein, performance tuning is the configuration or reconfiguration of material handling vehicles, vehicle components (one or more), components attached to or otherwise mounted on the vehicle, combinations thereof, etc., to set or change how the capabilities (one or more capabilities) of the material handling vehicle respond. As an illustrative example only, the performance tuning described in more detail herein can be used to set or otherwise limit the maximum travel speed of a material handling vehicle. The maximum travel speed can be based on application (e.g., assigned to work at a loading dock), task (e.g., moving fragile loads at a loading dock), conditions (e.g., a busy first shift), environment (e.g., location near the end of an aisle), operator (e.g., skill, training, certification, or other operator metrics), other measures, and combinations thereof. As another non-limiting example, a pedestrian detection system attached to a material handling vehicle can be configured using performance tuning as described in more detail herein to modify the detection range based on time of day, location, operator skill, current vehicle speed, etc.

[0028] In other example applications, performance settings for a set of capabilities can be combined into a performance tuning profile that "tunes" the overall performance of the material handling vehicle. This allows for coordinated adjustments to ensure the vehicle operates within manufacturer specifications, ensuring the vehicle is optimally tuned for the task, environment, operator, and their combinations.

[0029] As yet another example, data structures can be used, for instance, to organize parameters, ranges, codes, commands, etc., associated with controllers, groups of controllers, or (one or more) electronic modules, based on desired functions (such as speed, acceleration, braking, lifting height, carrying weight, etc.) to control their operation. This can be linked to visual metaphors, such as graphical user interfaces (GUIs) including virtual sliders, virtual knobs, virtual encoders, virtual buttons, virtual switches, etc., for creating or tuning performance profiles. In this regard, the GUI for creating or tuning performance profiles can be a web interface (e.g., for programming a collection of performance tuning profiles to be stored in a database associated with a remote server), an interface running on a display mounted on or otherwise integrated with the material handling vehicle, or a combination thereof.

[0030] For example, by way of illustration only, a first slider can be used to tune the maximum travel speed, which tunes the traction controller to operate the industrial vehicle according to the maximum speed determined by the first slider setting. A second slider can set the maximum acceleration, which can tune the traction controller to operate the industrial vehicle according to the maximum acceleration determined by the second slider setting. A third slider can select the maximum lifting weight, which causes the hydraulic controller to be tuned to operate the industrial vehicle's lifting capacity (e.g., forks) according to the maximum weight determined by the third slider setting, and so on.

[0031] It is worth noting that this approach provides a universal graphical user interface that can be consistently deployed across the fleet to program consistent results, regardless of the underlying programming required by the installed vehicle control module. In this respect, the performance tuning system translates user settings into necessary vehicle adjustments. For example, setting the maximum travel speed to 4 km / h can be translated into setting specific values ​​for one or more setpoints, adjusting one or more parameters, etc., which may be unique to a particular hardware (e.g., unique to a particular vehicle control module and / or material handling vehicle). Such codes, parameters, setpoints, etc., may be unknown or incomprehensible to the end user. Therefore, the system described in this paper translates operational capabilities into actionable and specific programmable information.

[0032] Furthermore, the specific values ​​of parameters, setpoints, etc., can even depend on a specific version of a particular controller. In other embodiments, the specific parameters or values ​​necessary to execute user-entered performance values ​​may depend on factors outside the controller itself. For example, traction controller and battery characteristics can be considered together to derive the necessary changes in response to performance tuning adjustments. Therefore, aspects of this document can be used as application programming interfaces (APIs) or bridges to translate / convert vehicle performance settings into low-level electronic control module commands, settings, setpoints, etc., specific to the underlying hardware. This allows the end user to be unaware of the specific implementation details, which can be based on dynamic runtime calculations.

[0033] Loading performance tuning profiles into material handling vehicles can be dynamic, for example, based on material handling vehicles, operational data collected from remote servers, geographical location, task information, operator information, and other data that can be collected and electronically analyzed, and combinations thereof.

[0034] Furthermore, various aspects of this document provide a vehicle display that provides performance tuning information, as will be described in more detail herein. In some embodiments, the display may provide only output, allowing a user to visually observe one or more settings without being able to change any settings. In some embodiments, one or more settings can be adjusted on the vehicle, for example, using a touchscreen, keyboard, other input / output devices, etc. In some embodiments, only certain users, such as service personnel, supervisors, etc., can program performance tuning. Regardless of whether the performance tuning on the vehicle is output-only or a user-adjustable configuration, in some embodiments, certain vehicle conditions must be met, for example, the vehicle must be stopped before performance tuning can be observed and / or adjusted.

[0035] In light of the foregoing, this document discloses a material handling vehicle control center for monitoring the use of material handling vehicles. In some embodiments, the control center also provides feedback based on the monitored information. For example, the feedback may be directed to the operator. The feedback may also be directed to the material handling vehicle, for example, to set or change the performance tuning of the material handling vehicle. Furthermore, the feedback may be directed to the enterprise, manufacturer, or other remote entity. In some embodiments, tools are provided, for example, in the form of a graphical user interface, which enables viewing performance settings, modifying performance settings, combinations thereof, etc.

[0036] System Overview

[0037] Now refer to the accompanying drawings, and in particular Figure 1 The schematic diagram illustrates a material handling vehicle system 100 according to various aspects of this disclosure. The material handling vehicle system 100 is a dedicated (specific) computing environment that includes a processing device 102 of multiple hardware devices linked together via one or more networks 104.

[0038] Network 104 provides communication links between various processing devices 102 and can be supported by network components 106 interconnecting the processing devices 102. Network components 106 include, for example, routers, hubs, firewalls, network interfaces, wired or wireless communication links and corresponding interconnections, cellular stations and corresponding cellular conversion technologies (e.g., conversion between cellular and TCP / IP, etc.). Furthermore, network(s) 104 can include connections using one or more network configurations, examples of which include intranets, extranets, local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), wireless networks (WiFi), the Internet (including the World Wide Web), cellular networks, and / or other arrangements for enabling communication between the processing devices 102, etc.

[0039] Processing device 102 may be implemented as a server, personal computer, laptop computer, netbook computer, tablet computer, purpose-driven appliance, dedicated computing device, personal data assistant (PDA) processor, handheld computer, cellular device including cellular mobile phone, smartphone, information processing device in vehicle, information processing device on machine (fixed or mobile), or other device capable of communicating via network 104.

[0040] Specifically, the processing device 102 is provided on one or more material handling vehicles 108. In the example configuration shown, the processing device 102 on the material handling vehicle 108 communicates wirelessly with a corresponding networking component 106 via one or more access points 110, which serves as a connection to one or more networks 104. Alternatively, the material handling vehicle 108 may be equipped with cellular or other suitable wireless technology, which allows the processing device 102 on the material handling vehicle 108 to communicate directly with remote devices (e.g., via one or more networks 104).

[0041] System 100 also includes processing devices that are implemented to support platform 114 and corresponding data sources (collectively referred to as data source 116) server 112 (e.g., web server, file server and / or other processing devices).

[0042] As will be described in more detail here, material handling vehicles 108 operating in work environments such as warehouses, distribution centers, and retail stores may be equipped with one or more capabilities that require training and experience to use effectively. Therefore, platform 114 provides material handling vehicle monitoring, management, control, or a combination thereof, as described more fully herein, to wirelessly and dynamically perform performance tuning of a fleet of material handling vehicles.

[0043] In the illustrative example, data source 116 does not need to be located in the same place and includes a database linking processes performed for the benefit of the enterprise from multiple different domains. In the illustrated example, data source 116 includes material handling vehicle information data source 118, which collects data from the operation of material handling vehicles 108 in, for example, the material handling vehicle domain. For example, the material handling vehicle information database may store electronic vehicle records, such as electronic vehicle records wirelessly received from a fleet of material handling vehicles. In this respect, each electronic vehicle record may include travel-related, load-handling-related, and other vehicle-generated data recorded by controllers, sensors, and other electronics on the associated material handling vehicle operated by the corresponding operator in the work environment. Each electronic vehicle record may also include the operator identifier of the corresponding operator of the material handling vehicle.

[0044] Additional data may include performance tuning profiles, performance tuning rule data, operator lists, checklist information, vehicle customization data, and other information useful to or generated from the corresponding fleet of material handling vehicles. Here, vehicle data may be associated with vehicle operators.

[0045] Data source 116 may also include management system data source 120, such as a warehouse management system (WMS). The WMS associates information with the movement and tracking of goods within the work environment in the WMS domain. Therefore, in some embodiments, WMS data can be used to select, define, refine, and perform tasks and activities for the work environment. Furthermore, the rules engine can use WMS data to evaluate whether performance tuning changes should be implemented. For example, if the rules engine detects that an operator's task is to pick up fragile loads, enter a refrigerated area, or perform another specific task, it can perform performance tuning on the operator's vehicle to optimize it for that task.

[0046] Furthermore, data source 116 may include one or more other data sources 122 required by the work environment, such as labor management systems (LMS), geolocation systems, etc. The above list is not exhaustive and is intended to be illustrative only.

[0047] As an introduction and summary, platform 114 can support user interaction, for example, via a web interface. Here, users of the web interface can view dashboard data generated by platform 114 and / or review historical data collected from data source 116. In this regard, platform 114 can pull data from any one or more of data sources 116 to gain deeper insights into operator performance, behavior, skill levels, etc. For example, by noticing that an operator has not made an impact and has complied with environmental rules for a period of time (e.g., weeks, months, etc.), users of the web interface can modify the performance profile of that vehicle operator. Users of the web interface can also lower the performance profile of operators who have unusually high impact rates or have not complied with environmental policies.

[0048] In applications performing automated performance tuning, in some embodiments, a user of the web interface can program a rules engine running on platform 114 to manage performance tuning. Here, the user can create / program and edit performance tuning profiles, which are stored in a central database (e.g., industrial vehicle data 118). The user interacting with the interface can then set rules about when to apply rules based on monitored data (e.g., data from any combination of data collected from data source 116). The rules that can be created are limited only by the ability of platform 114 to obtain the data necessary to interpret the rules. In some embodiments, the rules define triggering events for when the performance tuning profile is updated. These triggering events can be based on dynamically detected conditions, real-time conditions, calculations, aggregations, intervals (e.g., time, occurrence, combinations thereof).

[0049] In this regard, in some embodiments, platform 114 can monitor real-time conditions, such as location, traffic congestion in a passageway or area of ​​the environment, time of day, and other factors listed herein. Furthermore, platform 114 can analyze and / or review the collected data. Further, rules can be established to aggregate, assemble, analyze, and create new data types, such as operator scores, operator rankings, and other data types that can be useful for setting triggers to update performance profiles. Further still, thresholds, ranges, etc., can be defined to enable the rule engine to run automatically on platform 114.

[0050] In some embodiments, the configuration system can evaluate or re-evaluate the frequency of performance profile settings, such as daily, weekly, monthly, etc. This can be advantageous, for example, when dynamic changes for a given application are undesirable or impractical. Moreover, such periodic or otherwise intervalic evaluations can be performed manually or automatically. Therefore, performance profile changes can be based on real-time data, historical data, periodic or intervalic evaluations, or a combination thereof.

[0051] In some embodiments, a graphical user interface can provide management-level dashboard data, to which platform 114 can execute a process that parses collected material handling vehicle records for each vehicle operator to extract dashboard data. Here, dashboard data may include information related to performance tuning of material handling vehicles and / or information related to key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess whether changes to the operator's and / or material handling vehicle's performance profile should be triggered, as described in more detail herein. For example, a navigable dashboard could allow a user to quickly assess operator performance to evaluate whether to adjust the vehicle operator's performance profile.

[0052] Given the above example, Figure 1The diagram illustrates a system and process for controlling the performance of a fleet of material handling vehicles, comprising a central database storing electronic performance tuning profiles and a remote processor (e.g., a server computer 112 implementing platform 114) coupled to memory. Here, the remote processor is programmed by instructions in memory to monitor the activity of a fleet of material handling vehicles 108 to detect triggering events. Upon detecting a triggering event, the remote processor wirelessly transmits an electronic performance tuning profile selected from the electronic performance tuning profiles stored in the central database to the corresponding material handling vehicle in the fleet.

[0053] Material handling vehicles

[0054] Each material handling vehicle 108 may include forklifts, reach trucks, narrow aisle forklifts, order pickers, stacker cranes, pallet trucks, tractors, and any combination thereof. In this respect, each material handling vehicle 108 typically includes a load handling assembly extending from the power unit.

[0055] The load handling assembly may include any combination of load handling features, such as masts, forks, load backrests, scissor lifts, extendable supports or individual height-adjustable forks, load platforms, collection cages, and combinations thereof. When the material handling vehicle 108 is implemented as a tractor / light winch, the load handling assembly may also / alternatively include hooks, trailer couplings, other structures, or combinations thereof.

[0056] The power unit may include an operator station for operator-driven material handling vehicles. In these cases, the operator station provides the vehicle operator with access to the controls, features, and technologies offered by the material handling vehicle.

[0057] The hardware processing device 102 is located on the material handling vehicle 108, for example, within the power unit. In the context of deployment on the material handling vehicle 108, the hardware processing device 102 is also referred to herein as the information linking device 102. The information linking device 102 includes a processor, memory, vehicle network connectivity, a transceiver for wireless communication with one or more remote servers (e.g., via Wi-Fi), and other functions, as will be described more fully herein.

[0058] Furthermore, the display can be installed at or near the power unit. The display provides a graphical user interface that allows the operator to interact with the functions of the material handling vehicle 108 via the information link device 102 and a remote server 112. Figure 1 It enables programming interaction and data exchange, as well as their combinations.

[0059] As will be described in more detail herein, the corresponding material handling vehicle 108 includes a control module (e.g., part of an information linking device / hardware processing device 102) having a processor that receives wirelessly transmitted electronic performance tuning profiles and transmits at least one command across the vehicle network of the material handling vehicles to modify the performance of the material handling vehicles according to the settings in the electronic performance tuning profiles. Furthermore, the display on the material handling vehicle can be configured to output, for example, an indication that performance tuning adjustments have been made to the material handling vehicle based on communication with the information linking device.

[0060] control system

[0061] refer to Figure 2 The block diagram illustrates the use of Figure 1 The control arrangement of one or more material handling vehicles 108 is implemented as an information linking device 202. The information linking device 202 can realize... Figure 1 Information link device 102.

[0062] The information link device 202 includes the necessary circuitry to enable communication with components of the material handling vehicle 108 and with the server 112. Figure 1 Wireless communication, data and information processing, and wired (and optionally wireless) communication, such as via access point 110 ( Figure 1 ), honeycomb, etc.

[0063] The illustrated information link device 202 includes a transceiver 204 for wireless communication. While a single transceiver 204 is illustrated for convenience, in practice, one or more wireless communication technologies may be provided. For example, transceiver 204 spans... Figure 1 Access point 110 connects to a remote server (e.g., via 802.11.xx) via 802.11.xx. Figure 1 The transceiver 204 can also optionally support other wireless communications, such as cellular, Bluetooth, infrared (IR), ultra-wideband (UWB), or any other technology or combination thereof. For example, using a cellular-to-IP bridge, the transceiver 204 can use cellular signals across network 104 ( Figure 1 It can communicate directly with remote servers (e.g., manufacturer servers).

[0064] The information link device 202 also includes a control module 206 having a processor coupled to memory for implementing computer instructions, including computer-implemented processes or aspects thereof, as more fully illustrated and described herein. For example, the control module 206 utilizes transceiver 204 to communicate with remote server 112 ( Figure 1 Exchange information to control the operation of material handling vehicle 108, remotely store information extracted from material handling vehicle 108 to perform performance tuning, as described more fully herein.

[0065] The information link device 202 also includes a power activation circuit system 208 controlled by the control module 206 to selectively enable or disable the material handling vehicle 108 (or alternatively, selectively enable or disable specific control module or vehicle functions, such as hydraulics, traction, etc.). For example, the control module 206 may control the power activation circuit system 208 to, for example, provide power to the material handling vehicle 108 via the power line 210, provide power to selected components of the material handling vehicle 308, or provide power to selected vehicle functions, based on operator login, detected geographic features, etc.

[0066] Furthermore, the information linking device 202 includes a monitoring input / output (I / O) module 212 for communicating via wired or wireless connections with peripheral devices (such as sensors, meters, encoders, switches, lights, etc. (collectively indicated by reference numeral 214)) attached to or otherwise mounted on the material handling vehicle 108. The I / O module 212 can also connect to other devices, such as third-party devices 216, such as RFID scanners, displays, meters, or other devices. This allows the control module 206 to acquire and process information monitored on the material handling vehicle 108.

[0067] The information link device 202 is coupled to and / or communicates with other industrial vehicle system components via a suitable vehicle network 218. The vehicle network 218 is any wired or wireless network, bus, or other communication capability that allows the electronic components of the material handling vehicle 108 to communicate with each other. As an example, the vehicle network 218 may include a Controller Area Network (CAN) bus, a Local Interconnect Network (LIN), a Time-Triggered Data Bus Protocol (TTP), or other suitable communication technologies.

[0068] As will be described more fully herein, the use of vehicle network 218 enables seamless integration of control module 206 and other components of information linking device 202 into the native electronics of material handling vehicle 108. In the example configuration, control module 206 of information linking device 202 connects to, understands, and communicates with native vehicle electronics such as traction controllers, hydraulic controllers, modules, devices, bus-enabled sensors, displays, lights, light strips, sound generation devices, headsets, microphones, haptic devices, etc. (collectively, Reference 220)).

[0069] According to another aspect of this disclosure, an optional environment-based location tracking device 222 is provided on the material handling vehicle 108. As shown, the environment-based location tracking device 222 is connected to vehicle electronics (e.g., via a CAN bus) via a vehicle network 218. Therefore, the environment-based location tracking device 222 can communicate directly with the control module 206 and other devices linked to the vehicle network 218 corresponding to the material handling vehicle 108. The environment-based location tracking device 222 enables the material handling vehicle 108 to know its spatial location within a dimensionally limited environment (e.g., a mapped portion of an industrial enterprise).

[0070] When the material handling vehicle 108 operates indoors, conventional technologies such as the Global Positioning System (GPS) are unlikely to be effective. However, the environment-based location tracking device 222 may include a local sensing system that utilizes markers (including reference markers, RFID, beacons, lights, other external devices, and combinations thereof) to allow spatial awareness within an industrial environment (e.g., a warehouse, a manufacturing plant, etc.). Furthermore, local sensing can be achieved through a machine vision-guided system, for example, using one or more cameras. The environment-based location tracking device 222 may also / cannot use transponders and triangulation calculations to determine location.

[0071] Furthermore, the environment-based position tracking device 222 and / or other controllers on the material handling vehicle 108 (e.g., the processor within the control module 206) can use a combination of the above and / or other techniques to determine the current (real-time) position or relative travel (e.g., location, distance traveled, orientation, etc.) of the material handling vehicle 108. Therefore, the position (or at least the distance traveled) of the material handling vehicle 108 can be continuously determined in some embodiments (e.g., per second or less). For example, knowledge read from inertial sensors, vehicle sensors, encoders, accelerometers, gyroscopes, etc. (e.g., via controller 220 across vehicle network 218, via sensor 214 and / or third-party device 216 across monitoring I / O 212 and vehicle network 218, etc.) can be used to determine the position, orientation, direction, distance traveled, etc. of the material handling vehicle 108 within an industrial enterprise and / or to enhance or modify the position determination from the position tracking device 222.

[0072] Alternatively, other sampling intervals can be derived to determine the position of industrial vehicles continuously over time (e.g., time intervals defined discretely, time intervals that are periodic or otherwise constant and repeated, or intervals based on interrupts, triggers, or other measurements).

[0073] Environment-based location tracking device 222 knows the absolute position of material handling vehicle 108 within a dimensionally limited environment (e.g., a mapped portion of an industrial enterprise). "Absolute" position means that the vehicle's position relative to a map is known. This map can be a regional area, for example, only a portion of an indoor facility such as a warehouse. Absolute position differs from relative offset position. A relative offset position can be a general description of the offset distance, such as two meters, without knowing the direction of the offset. Alternatively, a relative offset position can be a general description of the direction without a distance, such as towards the power unit of material handling vehicle 108, without knowing the precise distance. In other examples, a relative offset position can be a precise measurement of the offset and direction, two meters in the X, Y, Z directions. In this case, an orientation or standardized reference plane should be established to ensure that the offset position is accurately converted to an absolute position, and vice versa. In some illustrative embodiments, the absolute position of material handling vehicle 108 may be known, but the orientation may be unknown. In other embodiments, both the orientation and the absolute position are known.

[0074] The control module 206 also communicates with the vehicle display 224 (e.g., a touchscreen, a display screen, etc.). The display 224 is typically installed in the operator's compartment and provides widgets and other displayed information, an example of which is described in U.S. Patent No. 10,430,073 entitled "Processing Device Having a Graphical User Interface For Industrial Vehicle," the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0075] Information link device 102 can perform data collection, checklists, and other capabilities, as described in U.S. Patent No. 8,060,400 entitled "FleetManagement System," the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0076] Performance tuning

[0077] As this article points out more comprehensively, performance tuning is the configuration or reconfiguration of material handling vehicles to set or change how the vehicle's capabilities (one or more capabilities) respond. General Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The "performance tuning profile" can be stored remotely, for example, when coupled to a remote server 112 ( Figure 1 The industrial vehicle data (118) is stored in the database. Alternatively, performance tuning profiles can be stored locally on the material handling vehicle.

[0078] For example, when an operator logs into a material handling vehicle, control module 206 ( Figure 2 ) can be transmitted via transceiver 204 ( Figure 2 ) to platform 114 ( Figure 1 Wirelessly transmits operator identification, material handling vehicle identification, other information, and combinations thereof. In response to receiving login information, platform 114 ( Figure 1 ) to control module 206 ( Figure 2 Returning to the performance tuning profile. A specific performance tuning profile can be automatically selected by the rules engine running on platform 114, or it can be pre-selected by the administrator or supervisor. In any case, a specific performance tuning profile can be selected based on the enterprise, vehicle, vehicle type, operator identifier, or a combination thereof. Furthermore, more than one performance tuning profile can be loaded into the vehicle. Here, the vehicle's processor (e.g., control module 206-) Figure 2 It can manage loading, storing, and otherwise processing one or more performance tuning profiles received from remote servers.

[0079] For example, control module 206 can process received performance tuning profiles by communicating with controller 220, sensors 214, etc., across vehicle network 218 to set, modify, and adjust (i.e., “tune”) the performance of the material handling vehicle. For instance, maximum operating speeds can be set, limited, or adjusted by changing setpoints, control parameters, or other suitable configuration variables in the traction control module 220 of the material handling vehicle. Maximum lifting height, lifting speed, etc., can be modified, for example, by transmitting new setpoints, parameter values, or other suitable configuration variables across vehicle network 218 to hydraulic controller 220, etc. In some embodiments, the maximum values ​​are limited by, for example, an absolute maximum value set by the manufacturer or service center.

[0080] Performance tuning is not limited to the time an operator logs in. Rather, performance tuning can be performed, in whole or in part, at any suitable time—including during the operation of a material handling vehicle. Moreover, there can be multiple performance tuning profiles, such as those for vehicle, operator, application, task, environment, geolocation, other bases, or combinations thereof.

[0081] In this regard, applications running the rules engine on platform 114 can evaluate information from data source 116 (e.g., operational data collected from material handling vehicles), evaluate WMS data, evaluate LMS data, evaluate geographic data, and / or other relevant data to detect event triggers, such as material handling vehicle participation in activities, tasks, environments, conditions, etc. Upon detecting a triggering event, platform 114 wirelessly transmits one or more appropriately selected performance tuning profiles to the associated material handling vehicle.

[0082] In an example embodiment, performance tuning may include a vehicle performance profile, which includes general vehicle profile settings, such as default vehicle performance parameters.

[0083] In some embodiments, performance tuning may also / alternatively include operator-specific performance settings. Here, operator performance settings may be divided into those vehicle performance settings that the operator cannot view and / or adjust, and those vehicle performance settings that the operator can view and / or adjust.

[0084] For example, the display of a material handling vehicle may include one or more widgets that allow the vehicle operator to tune or adjust the performance of the material handling vehicle.

[0085] Brief Reference Figures 3A-3D Vehicle display 300 (e.g., implementing display 224) Figure 2 The illustration shows example widgets. Vehicle operators can interact with these displayed widgets to view and adjust the performance tuning of the material handling vehicle in some embodiments.

[0086] For example, in Figure 3A In an example embodiment, the operator selects from a set of available performance tuning profiles in the first component (e.g., associated with the operator and / or material handling vehicle). For example, as shown, the following performance tuning profiles are available for consideration: 1. Energy usage; 2. Productivity; 3. Picker operator tasks; 4. Operations in cold storage; and 5. Operations at loading docks. Figure 3A The illustration also depicts a "throttle" component in the second widget, for example, similar to a conventional "rabbit / turtle" throttle control. In some embodiments where operator control is not provided, the widget may indicate the current settings. In embodiments where the vehicle operator has control, the operator can adjust the throttle. Adjusting the throttle can modify one or more parameters, causing the widget selected by the vehicle operator to execute in a programmed manner. The above is for illustrative purposes only and is not limited to the types of widgets and displayed information that can be presented.

[0087] User interactions can be performed using gesture commands or other methods of interacting with the touchscreen, physical or virtual controls, or a combination thereof.

[0088] In some embodiments, the operator may have only a limited number of adjustable performance capabilities. In other embodiments, the operator may see multiple capabilities and can downgrade them, but cannot upgrade them beyond the maximum value of that performance tuning. In other examples, the operator may access a widget to select one of a series of performance tuning profiles, such as an energy-saving profile (e.g., completing a shift change with low power), a "normal" performance tuning profile, etc.

[0089] As another example, one or more performance profiles can be set for other factors, such as environmental conditions (e.g., "wet floor" performance profile, first shift performance profile), operating conditions (e.g., load weight performance profile, lifting height performance profile, energy saving performance profile, etc.), activities (e.g., inbound performance profile, loading dock performance profile, cold storage department performance profile, etc.), tasks (fragile goods loading performance profile, bonded area performance profile, etc.), geographically based conditions (e.g., aisle end performance profile), operator skill performance profile, etc.

[0090] In some embodiments, there are different levels of adjustability depending on the role. For example, an operator may be able to control certain aspects of performance tuning, but a supervisor may be able to define more details of the performance tuning. Performance tuning profiles may be stored, for example, in a library (e.g., in Industrial Vehicle Data 118). Figure 1 )middle).

[0091] In some embodiments, such as when loading multiple performance tuning profiles, rules are implemented to control conflicts, for example, by setting that capability to the most stringent, etc.

[0092] In some embodiments, the performance tuning profile may include a mixture of manufacturer-provided profiles and enterprise-created profiles. In any case, administrators can access the profile via, for example, a computer such as a tablet, laptop, or desktop computer, and remotely via server 112 (…). Figure 1 The graphical user interface for data communication is used to set up profiles. Remote server 112 ( Figure 1 The appropriate performance profile is pushed to the associated material handling vehicle 108 for modification by the vehicle's corresponding control module 206, for example, by detecting pre-programmed triggering events based on a rules engine, as described more fully herein.

[0093] As this article points out more comprehensively, example parameters that can be “tuned” in a material handling vehicle may include maximum travel speed, acceleration, lifting speed, lifting height, lifting acceleration, lifting deceleration, load weight, braking rate, steering capability, hybrid enable / disable, automation enable / disable, etc.

[0094] Performance tuning also impacts the communication systems on material handling vehicles. For example, lights on material handling vehicles can indicate to pedestrians nearby the operator's identity, skills, or other parameters, performance tuning settings, and loaded performance tuning profiles. This method can also be used for local communication. For instance, workers near the material handling vehicle can visually observe the lights, light color, and displayed information to understand the vehicle's performance status. For example, if an energy / low battery performance profile is loaded, pedestrians will know the vehicle's battery is low, which will trigger workflows, actions, and task changes.

[0095] In some embodiments, the performance profile selected by the user is sent back to the server (e.g., server 112-). Figure 1 This can also trigger workflows. For example, a user changing a performance tuning profile to energy-saving mode will trigger a battery charging routine to allow time for battery charging operations / battery replacements. As another example, warehouse management systems or other automated processes can reassign tasks based on updated performance tuning settings to take into account the adjusted vehicle capabilities.

[0096] Each performance tuning profile does not require tuning every tuneable parameter. For example, rules can be set for a single performance tuning parameter, such as maximum speed. In other embodiments, performance tuning can be performed on other parameters or combinations of parameters.

[0097] As a working example, a specific material handling vehicle type may have a manufacturer performance profile that sets the maximum vehicle travel speed (e.g., 9 miles per hour (approximately 14.5 kilometers per hour)). This sets the absolute maximum value of the material handling vehicle speed that can be set in the performance tuning profile. However, a company may have a "company profile" that sets the maximum speed to 7 miles per hour (approximately 11.3 kilometers per hour). This sets the maximum speed within the company. Remote server 112 ( Figure 1 This "company profile" can be wirelessly transmitted to each affected material handling vehicle in the corresponding fleet. Due to operator, activity, task, environment, etc., this maximum speed can be reduced by adding specific, additional profiles that can be loaded, as explained in more detail in this article.

[0098] In some embodiments, the operator performance tuning profile defines the maximum limits for an operator, for example, based on skill level. For instance, an enterprise might set a first overall maximum travel speed, but a novice operator could perform performance tuning by setting the maximum travel speed to a speed less than the maximum value. Therefore, the novice profile could further reduce performance, and so on.

[0099] In a further embodiment, an operator may have multiple skill ratings. For example, an operator may be an expert at operating a sit-down counterbalance truck but an intermediate operator at operating a turret picking machine. The differences in ratings may also and / or alternatively be based on other factors, such as environmental conditions, task, etc. For example, an operator may be an expert working in the refrigerated section but a beginner working in the loading dock. An operator may be an expert in warehouse picking aisles but only an intermediate operator in busy areas such as receiving aisles, and so on.

[0100] In view of the above, the system of this paper can monitor the operation of material handling vehicles and adjust performance profiles accordingly—for example, automatically based on tasks, environment, vehicle type, operator, assessed operator skill level, and combinations thereof. In other embodiments, the vehicle operator can control performance tuning. In a further embodiment, the vehicle operator can adjust performance tuning up or down, but not beyond the limits set by the default or enterprise-adjusted performance tuning settings.

[0101] In some embodiments, the performance tuning profile can be changed based on triggering events, such as changes made by an operator and / or changes made automatically by the system. For example, a triggering event can be defined by detecting that the material handling vehicle is involved in a new application (e.g., a new job assignment, a new technology or process, etc.). A triggering event can also be defined by detecting that the material handling vehicle is involved in a new task. A triggering event can also be defined by detecting that the material handling vehicle encounters new operating conditions (e.g., speed zone, narrow aisle, need to overtake another vehicle, end of a aisle, encountering an intersection, detecting that the battery level is below a preset threshold, detecting that the load exceeds a predetermined load weight, etc.). A triggering event can be further defined by detecting that the material handling vehicle encounters new environmental conditions (e.g., wet floor, congested aisle, specific shift or time, etc.). Also, a triggering event can be defined by detecting that an operator logs into the material handling vehicle.

[0102] refer to Figure 3B The display 300 on the material handling vehicle outputs instructions for performance tuning settings. The display 300 may also include attributes that show the vehicle operator at least one factor affecting the performance tuning changes. For example, as illustrated herein, a widget on the display 300 on the material handling vehicle may include attributes that indicate the basis for the current state of performance tuning. For example, in a non-limiting example, the widget shows that the vehicle is speed-limited because the operator has entered a speed-limited zone within the facility. Furthermore, the operator has entered a low-clearance area, therefore, lifting height is limited.

[0103] refer to Figure 3CA graphical user interface running on the display 300 on the material handling vehicle can prompt the vehicle operator to accept or reject a newly received performance tuning profile. For example, as shown herein, a widget on the display 300 on the material handling vehicle can prompt the vehicle operator to accept a new performance tuning profile before it is loaded by the control module on the material handling vehicle.

[0104] In some embodiments, the display 300 outputs a message to the vehicle operator indicating that the control module has received a new performance tuning profile from a remote source, wherein the display 300 provides input to the operator to accept or reject the new performance tuning profile. Upon receiving the vehicle operator's input, the system sends an acknowledgment back to the remote server. This acknowledgment is stored in a data source that stores data associated with the vehicle operator, such as industrial vehicle data 118. Figure 1 ).

[0105] refer to Figure 3D The display 300 on the material handling vehicle outputs a graphical view of the current performance tuning profile and allows the vehicle operator to interact with the graphical view to review and / or change the performance tuning on the vehicle. For example, in the illustrated example, the widget shows example parameters that can be tuned, such as energy, travel speed, and lifting speed, which are only illustrative examples. In some embodiments, example modified / modifiable settings of the material handling vehicle may include at least one of the following: maximum speed; maximum acceleration; maximum braking; maximum lifting height; maximum lifting speed; maximum lifting acceleration; maximum lifting deceleration; maximum load weight; use of hybrid; or use of the automation features of the material handling vehicle; other parameters, etc.

[0106] Furthermore, the current settings are visually displayed. In some embodiments, the vehicle operator can interact with inputs (such as buttons on a touchscreen, gesture commands, etc.) to modify the settings. In some embodiments, the vehicle operator can decrease one or more performance settings and cannot increase any displayed performance settings, for example, exceeding the maximum value set by the currently loaded performance tuning profile. It is worth noting that the maximum value allowed by the currently loaded performance tuning profile can be less than the absolute maximum value enabled by the manufacturer.

[0107] Figure 3D The illustration also shows an example of the display 300 outputting confirmations related to performance tuning profile settings to the vehicle operator. For example, the example confirmation reminds the operator that performing five more successful actions (e.g., stopping at an intersection and honking the horn) will unlock the next higher / better performance tuning profile. Confirmations can also be positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, general messages, instructions, etc.

[0108] Management Performance Profile

[0109] For remote users (such as web users (supervisors, managers, etc.)), evaluating the various performance profiles of each operator can be cumbersome, even with the convenience of using web browsers and graphical user interfaces. For example, it can be cumbersome for supervisors to evaluate quantifiable performance information of a specific vehicle operator against unique criteria for a particular operating environment to make decisions regarding upgrading / downgrading the operator's current performance level, removing an operator's access to operate specific types of equipment, or granting new access to operate specific types of equipment. Furthermore, operators may find it difficult to know and understand which performance profiles are valid and the various capabilities of associated material handling vehicles to control / limit.

[0110] Similarly, even in automated systems, it can be cumbersome for remote users (such as web users) to establish rules for the automation's rule engine to quantify performance information and / or to create rules / conditions for boosting / downgrading vehicle operator performance levels, depriving vehicle operators of access to operate specific types of equipment, or granting new access to operate specific types of equipment. Furthermore, there are situations where vehicle operators may want to modify the vehicle's operational capabilities, such as when transporting fragile loads, at a loading dock, or in congested or narrow passageways.

[0111] However, according to various aspects of this disclosure, supervisors, managers, or other designated individuals may access information regarding the historical performance of an operator relative to relevant enterprise performance criteria via a web-based user interface graphically presented to a user. For example, on platforms running on server computers, cloud computers, etc. (e.g., platform 114- Figure 1 It can access collected industrial vehicle data, as well as other data collected and / or generated by the environment. Based on this (or other relevant) information, web users can initiate desired changes in performance tuning levels associated with specific operators. In some cases, designated individuals can also adjust whether operators can access specific features on a particular vehicle or a given material handling vehicle.

[0112] In other embodiments, a rules engine can be configured to review the historical performance of a vehicle operator relative to predetermined performance criteria. Here, the rules engine may also include rules that trigger changes to performance tuning settings associated with a specific operator and / or adjust whether an operator can access specific assets.

[0113] In some embodiments, performance tuning can be used to set, limit, or reduce vehicle capabilities, etc. Moreover, performance tuning can be performed on a vehicle-by-vehicle, vehicle-type, usage environment, or other factors, examples of which are illustrated in more detail herein. Furthermore, tuning can be self-organized (i.e., customized for an individual). In yet another embodiment, to manage performance settings, one or more capabilities are established as a set of performance tuning levels. Here, each performance tuning level sets a manageable number of performance tuning settings with predictable and consistent steps / changes in vehicle capabilities. Therefore, each operator at the same performance tuning level has the same set of capabilities / restrictions. That is, the performance tuning level determines one or more operating capabilities (e.g., a particular vehicle operator uses the vehicle's maximum speed, and in some cases, all vehicles of the corresponding equipment type will be in motion). However, other more complex variations are possible, examples of which are illustrated in more detail herein.

[0114] In other embodiments, performance tuning can be stored as a collection of performance tuning profiles. Performance tuning profiles differ from performance levels in that profiles can be created for any one or more factors, which can be dynamic and may include operator skill level, specific vehicle characteristics, vehicle type, vehicle condition (e.g., battery status), vehicle data (e.g., load, sensor data, etc.), environmental conditions, location, time / date, etc. This allows for more dynamic and fluid performance changes during the operation of material handling vehicles. In this respect, not all changes need to be drastic. Rather, subtle changes can be used to effectively improve the performance of material handling vehicles under specific sets of conditions, such as improving handling, maintaining battery life, or addressing issues related to load or environment. In this respect, performance tuning "levels" are considered a subset of performance tuning "profiles," and therefore references to performance tuning profiles include performance tuning levels.

[0115] In some embodiments, the graphical user interface enables users to program a performance tuning profile library. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the graphical user interface provides an interface for setting up, configuring, and programming a rules engine that, when implemented, monitors events triggered during the operation of a fleet of material handling vehicles and, based on the triggered events, wirelessly transmits performance tuning profiles from a remote source to the corresponding material handling vehicles.

[0116] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the display on the material handling vehicle enables the operator to interact with the performance tuning of the current activity, understand the performance tuning, receive information about the performance tuning, select performance tuning, accept or reject new performance tuning transmitted to the material handling vehicle from a remote server, or a combination thereof.

[0117] For example, vehicle operators may receive feedback regarding their performance relative to currently programmed performance tuning or new performance tuning changes. In some embodiments, when a change is made, a message about the proposed change to the performance tuning level will be seen by the specific operator whose performance tuning level may be changed, for example, via a message transmitted to the material handling vehicle for display on the vehicle's display. For example, when an operator logs into the material handling vehicle, the vehicle's information linking device may wirelessly receive a message from a server computer. The information linking device may then forward the message to the vehicle's display so that the operator can review it. In some embodiments, the message identifies the change, requests explicit or acknowledgment, or a combination thereof.

[0118] In some embodiments, the operator may accept or reject proposed changes (if permitted by the enterprise). In some embodiments, changes may only be implemented if certain criteria are met, such as the next time the operator logs into the vehicle, or when the vehicle is stopped. In some embodiments, the remote server system (platform) retains the operator's choice regarding such performance tuning changes. Alternatively, some environments may allow changes to be implemented without the vehicle operator's consent.

[0119] In some embodiments, displays on material handling vehicles output messages, such as graphical representations, text messages, color codes, etc., to indicate that performance tuning is currently active. Such messages can be designed to encourage positive operator behavior. As another example, messages may notify operators of progress toward unlocking or otherwise meeting the rules / requirements for the next performance level change.

[0120] This paper also improves the efficiency of supervisors / managers in evaluating relevant information based on established performance criteria (which may come from manufacturers, enterprise-defined criteria, libraries, or combinations thereof). It further enhances the efficiency of making changes to performance tuning levels, enabling / disabling features, and vehicle access. In some embodiments, the performance tuning status is transmitted to the operator on the material handling vehicle's display, regardless of the basis of the change (e.g., environment, task, vehicle, activity, etc.). In some cases, the system transmits the change to the operator before it takes effect and can provide the operator with the ability to acknowledge, accept / reject, modify, and recommend alternative modifications to the server.

[0121] In some embodiments, the disclosed system provides the ability to view operator performance-related information filtered by environment-specific performance criteria and to efficiently enable changes via a website. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the operator is aware of performance setting changes and may need to acknowledge (or accept / reject) such changes before they take effect. In other embodiments, the vehicle operator is aware of but cannot change performance tuning. Aspects also provide the ability to provide operators with messages about their performance, such as enabling operators to receive information about attributes leading to changes, to know their progress toward changes, to understand the metrics that triggered the changes, and combinations thereof.

[0122] In other embodiments, the performance tuning information provided on the material handling vehicle's display presents attributes specifying the reason for the performance tuning change, such as, "Maximum speed reduced to 3 mph (approximately 4.8 km / h) because the vehicle is approaching the end of an aisle with warehouse parking restrictions." In some embodiments, the display provides the operator with incentive messages regarding their performance. For example, the display outputs messages such as, "Maximum speed set to 3 mph (approximately 4.8 km / h) because you are in a picking aisle and are a beginner in this environment - demonstrate the correct behavior 3 more times and performance tuning will increase the maximum speed to 5 mph (approximately 8 km / h)."

[0123] According to further aspects of this paper, performance level tuning features allow users, for example, to work with remote servers (server 112- Figure 1 The interaction is designed to efficiently understand the performance of vehicle operators relative to corporate guidelines and to recommend / implement changes by controlling the performance of a fleet of material handling vehicles.

[0124] Furthermore, on the vehicle interface, the vehicle display notifies the operator of any changes to vehicle performance settings (such as maximum speed) before the changes take effect, and can provide the operator with the ability to accept or reject performance level changes. Moreover, the display can selectively output performance-inspired messages, attribute messages, and other messages, for example, based on a specific operator's behavior relative to performance-defined criteria or enterprise-established "rules."

[0125] Example

[0126] As an illustration and not a limitation, operators can be rated according to five (5) categories, such as trainee, beginner, intermediate, advanced, and expert. Of course, other levels can also be used, such as a scale of 1-10, a maximum score of 100%, etc. In this regard, assessments can be performed based on historical vehicle data associated with the operator. (Compared to industrial vehicle data 118( Figure 1Interactive managers or supervisors can view historical data in dashboard format, allowing for operator evaluation across various metrics such as task, vehicle, environmental conditions, behavioral / operational policy rules, etc. Based on this data, performance tuning profiles can be assigned to operators, even down to the task-by-task granularity. For example, an operator could be assigned a performance tuning profile associated with an "expert" in energy efficiency but "medium" in productivity, with the tuning setting the maximum speed during the third shift higher than the maximum speed during the first shift, and so on.

[0127] Once a set of performance tuning profiles is created, the rules engine is programmed to identify events, trigger conditions, and corresponding performance tuning profiles in order to communicate wirelessly with the triggered material handling vehicles.

[0128] Server-side graphical user interface

[0129] refer to Figure 4 The example computing device (e.g., a tablet) illustrates an administrator logging into platform 114. Figure 1 This allows for the programming of performance tuning profiles for operators, vehicles, tasks, activities, geographic locations, etc. Supervisors can set rules that influence when various performance tuning profiles are read and processed, such as based on geographic location / location tracking, task assignment (e.g., determined based on recorded material handling vehicle data records, such as those read from a warehouse management system, etc.). Users can interact with the graphical user interface to fill in values, define rules ranging from simple to complex for when to apply or change performance profiles, etc.

[0130] As illustrated, each profile contains a set of performance variables (such as maximum speed, maximum acceleration, maximum lift height, maximum load weight, etc.). The user, interacting with the graphical user interface, selects one or more performance variables and can enter specific values ​​at prompts, then saves the performance profile as a preset. Once created, the preset can be shared, copied, fine-tuned, saved, etc. The platform 114 then controls the mapping of the profile performance variables to the necessary control codes associated with the vehicle the operator has logged into.

[0131] Therefore, in the example implementation, when a vehicle operator logs into a material handling vehicle, the platform searches for the operator and matches the operator with the vehicle (or vehicle type) the operator logged into. The platform then extracts one or more performance tuning profiles from these profiles. In some embodiments, platform 114 is responsible for mapping variables to the variables necessary to implement changes in the controller of the associated vehicle. In other embodiments, the corresponding application is hosted on each material handling vehicle, such that the variable-to-machine control translation is performed on the vehicle itself.

[0132] Therefore, the performance level tuning features described in this paper allow web users (e.g., supervisors) to efficiently understand the performance of a vehicle operator relative to criteria established by the environment, and to recommend / implement changes through software that controls vehicle capabilities, and in some embodiments, whether an operator can continue to use a particular piece of equipment.

[0133] As noted more fully in this paper, with the addition of ions, the aspects described herein can provide features that notify the operator of any changes to vehicle performance settings (such as maximum speed) before the changes take effect, and provide the operator with the ability to accept or reject changes to performance levels. Finally, this feature can include performance-inspired messages on the module that relate to specific operator behaviors related to performance-customized guidelines or customer-established “rules.”

[0134] refer to Figure 5 A block diagram of a data processing system is depicted according to embodiments herein. The data processing system 500 includes one or more processors 510 connected across a system bus 530 to a memory 520. A bus bridge 540 is connected to the system bus 530 and provides an interface to any number of peripheral devices, for example via an I / O bus 550. Example peripheral devices include a storage device 560 (e.g., a hard disk drive), a removable media storage device 570 (e.g., a tape drive, CD-ROM drive, flash drive, etc.), I / O 580 (e.g., a keyboard, mouse, monitor, etc.), a network adapter 590, or a combination thereof.

[0135] Memory 520, storage device 550, removable media storage 560, or combinations thereof can be used to implement a computer-usable storage medium on which computer-usable program code is implemented. The computer-usable program code can be executed to implement any aspect of this document, for example, to implement any aspect of any method and / or system component illustrated in the preceding figures.

[0136] As those skilled in the art will recognize, aspects of this document can be implemented as a system, method, or computer program product. Furthermore, aspects of this document can take the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-readable storage media having computer-readable program code implemented thereon.

[0137] Any combination of one or more computer-readable media may be used. Computer-readable media can be computer-readable signal media or computer-readable storage media. Computer-readable storage media include, for example, but not limited to, hard disks, solid-state drives, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, optical storage devices (e.g., CD-ROMs), magnetic storage devices, or any suitable combination of the foregoing or other storage hardware. Therefore, computer-readable storage media includes any tangible medium that can contain or store programs for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0138] A computer-readable signal medium is a data signal in which computer-readable program code is propagated, for example, in baseband or as part of a carrier wave. A computer-readable signal medium can be any computer-readable medium other than a computer-readable storage medium, and can transmit, propagate, or transport a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0139] Various aspects herein are described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments herein. It should be understood that each block of the flowcharts and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, executable via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions / actions specified in the blocks of the flowcharts and / or block diagrams.

[0140] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable medium that can instruct a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus or other device to operate in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable medium produce an article of manufacture, which includes instructions that implement the functions / actions specified in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams.

[0141] Computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus or other equipment to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other equipment to produce a computer-implemented process, such that the instructions, which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus, provide a process for implementing the functions / actions specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram boxes.

[0142] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of the systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of this document. In this regard, each block in a flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which includes one or more executable instructions for implementing one or more specified logical functions. It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions marked in the blocks may appear in the order indicated in the figures. For example, two blocks shown successively may actually be executed substantially concurrently, or these blocks may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the functions involved. It will also be noted that each block in the block diagrams and / or flowcharts, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowcharts, may be implemented by a system based on dedicated hardware, or a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions, that performs a specific function or action.

[0143] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that, when used in this specification, the terms “comprising” and / or “including” specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0144] All components or steps in the following claims, along with their corresponding structures, materials, actions, and equivalents of functional elements, are intended to include any structure, material, or action for performing a function in combination with other claimed elements, as specifically claimed. This description has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of the forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of this document. Aspects have been selected and described in order to best explain the principles herein and their practical application, and to enable others skilled in the art to understand the disclosure of various embodiments with various modifications suitable for the intended particular purpose.

Claims

1. A system for controlling the performance of a fleet of material handling vehicles, comprising: A remote processor coupled to a memory, the remote processor being programmed by instructions in the memory, the instructions causing the remote processor to wirelessly transmit a set of electronic performance tuning profiles to a material handling vehicle. in: The material handling vehicle includes: A control module with a processor that receives a set of wirelessly transmitted electronic performance tuning profiles; and A display showing a first widget including a marker associated with at least one subset of the electronic performance tuning profile set, wherein the display also simultaneously shows a second widget including a marker associated with throttle control. During the operation of the material handling vehicle, based on at least one of the following: new task, new application, encountered geolocation, or new operating conditions, select one of the electronic performance tuning profiles. After selecting an electronic performance tuning profile from a subset of the electronic performance tuning profiles displayed for the first component, the control module transmits at least one command across the vehicle network of the material handling vehicles to modify the performance of the material handling vehicles according to the settings in the selected electronic performance tuning profile; and After the operator of the material handling vehicle adjusts the throttle control of the second component, the control module transmits at least one command across the vehicle network of the material handling vehicle to modify at least one parameter within the corresponding limits defined by the selected electronic performance tuning profile.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the display includes attributes showing the operator of the material handling vehicle at least one factor of drive performance tuning.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the display outputs a graphical view of the current electronic performance tuning profile and allows the operator to interact with the graphical view to adjust the performance tuning of the vehicle by adjusting throttle control.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the operator is able to lower one or more performance settings, but cannot raise any displayed performance setting beyond the maximum setting defined by the selected electronic performance tuning profile.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the remote processor reviews the history of vehicle data within a predetermined time window to determine whether to remotely trigger changes to different electronic performance tuning profiles.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the modified performance of the material handling vehicle includes at least one of the following: Maximum speed; Maximum acceleration; Maximum braking; Maximum lifting height; Maximum boost speed; Maximum acceleration; Maximum increase in deceleration; Maximum load weight; Use a mixture; or The automation features of material handling vehicles are utilized.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein: The remote processor monitors the activity of the material handling vehicle to detect triggering events, wherein, upon detecting the triggering event, the remote processor wirelessly transmits a command to change at least one of a selected electronic performance tuning profile or parameters of the selected electronic performance tuning profile; and Triggering events are defined by detecting the participation of material handling vehicles in a new application.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein: The remote processor monitors the activity of the material handling vehicle to detect triggering events, wherein, upon detecting the triggering event, the remote processor wirelessly transmits a command to change at least one of a selected electronic performance tuning profile or parameters of the selected electronic performance tuning profile; and Triggering events are defined by detecting that a material handling vehicle is involved in a new task.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein: The remote processor monitors the activity of the material handling vehicle to detect triggering events, wherein, upon detecting the triggering event, the remote processor wirelessly transmits a command to change at least one of a selected electronic performance tuning profile or parameters of the selected electronic performance tuning profile; and Triggering events are defined by detecting new operating conditions encountered by material handling vehicles.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein: The remote processor monitors the activity of the material handling vehicle to detect triggering events, wherein, upon detecting the triggering event, the remote processor wirelessly transmits a command to change at least one of a selected electronic performance tuning profile or parameters of the selected electronic performance tuning profile; and Triggering events are defined by detecting new environmental conditions encountered by material handling vehicles.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein: The remote processor monitors the activity of the material handling vehicle to detect triggering events, wherein, upon detecting the triggering event, the remote processor wirelessly transmits a command to change at least one of a selected electronic performance tuning profile or parameters of the selected electronic performance tuning profile; and The trigger event is defined by detecting that an operator has logged into the material handling vehicle.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the display outputs an indication of performance tuning settings.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein: The display outputs a message to the operator indicating that the control module has received a new electronic performance tuning profile from the remote processor, wherein the display provides the operator with input to accept or reject the new electronic performance tuning profile. as well as The confirmation is sent back to the remote processor, which stores data associated with the vehicle operator in the data source.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein the display outputs confirmation to the vehicle operator related to the performance tuning profile settings.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein the graphical user interface provides a programming interface to create new electronic performance tuning profiles and store the electronic performance tuning profiles in a database.

16. The system of claim 1, wherein the graphical user interface provides a programming interface to create new rules specifying when a material handling vehicle should load a new performance tuning profile.

17. A computer-implemented process for controlling the performance of a fleet of material handling vehicles, comprising: The material handling vehicle receives wirelessly transmitted electronic performance tuning profiles during its operation, each of which is received from a remote server. Based on the detection of at least one of a new task, new application, encountered geolocation, or new operating conditions of the monitored material handling vehicle, select the electronic performance tuning profile from the set of electronic performance tuning profiles. as well as Transmit at least one command across the vehicle network of the corresponding material handling vehicle to modify the performance of the material handling vehicle according to the settings in the received electronic performance tuning profile. The display on the material handling vehicle shows an indication of performance tuning adjustments made to the material handling vehicle during its operation, including a first widget with a mark associated with the performance tuning adjustment and a second widget with a mark associated with throttle control. The operator of the material handling vehicle receives a command from the second component to adjust the throttle control, and in response, transmits at least one command across the vehicle network of the material handling vehicle to modify at least one parameter within the limits defined by the received electronic performance tuning profile.

18. A system for controlling the performance of a material handling vehicle, comprising: A remote processor coupled to memory, which is programmed by instructions in memory that cause the remote processor to: Monitor the activities of material handling vehicles during their use; Based on the detection of at least one of new tasks, new applications, new operating conditions, or geolocations encountered by the monitored material handling vehicle, select an electronic performance tuning profile from the set of electronic performance tuning profiles. as well as The selected electronic performance tuning profile is transmitted to the material handling vehicle; The material handling vehicles include: A control module with a processor receives an electronic performance tuning profile transmitted wirelessly and transmits at least one command across the vehicle network of material handling vehicles to modify the performance of the material handling vehicles according to the settings in the received electronic performance tuning profile. A display on a material handling vehicle outputs at least one widget that visually indicates that performance tuning adjustments have been made to the material handling vehicle. Input / output that allows a vehicle operator to interact with at least one component to modify the current electronic performance tuning profile, and, after the current electronic performance tuning profile is changed, transmits at least one command across the vehicle network of material handling vehicles to modify the performance of the material handling vehicle according to the modified settings in the electronic performance tuning profile.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the material handling vehicle operator can only reduce the settings to below the maximum settings in the current performance profile instance.

20. The system of claim 18, further comprising a graphical user interface running on a display on a material handling vehicle, the graphical user interface prompting the vehicle operator to accept or reject a received electronic performance tuning profile.

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