ILLUMINATED FLOOR ON THE SIDES OF THE MATERIAL HANDLING VEHICLE TO INDICATE LIMITED OR UNLIMITED AREA.

Abstract

A method is provided for controlling a light source device associated with a material handling vehicle, wherein the material handling vehicle includes one or more detection devices, comprising: detecting by means of one or more detection devices a first distance from a left side of the vehicle to a first boundary object and a second distance from a right side of the vehicle to a second boundary object; controlling the light source device to designate a first area on the left side of the vehicle as a limited operating area or an unlimited operating area and to designate a second area on the right side of the vehicle as a limited operating area or an unlimited operating area.

Description

Illuminated floor on the sides of the material handling vehicle to indicate limited or unlimited area Technical field These modalities refer to a material handling vehicle that has a positioning assistance system that provides assistance to an operator who is driving the vehicle. Background of the invention Material handling vehicles include a power unit, a mast assembly, and a platform assembly that includes a fork carriage assembly coupled to the mast assembly for vertical movement relative to the power unit. Brief description of the invention According to a first aspect of the disclosure, a system is provided comprising: a material handling vehicle comprising one or more sensing devices for determining a first distance from the left side of the vehicle to a first boundary object and a second distance from the right side of the vehicle to a second boundary object, and a controller coupled to said one or more sensing devices; and a light source device coupled to the controller. The light source device can be controlled by the controller to designate a first area on the left side of the vehicle as a limited operating area or an unlimited operating area and to designate a second area on the right side of the vehicle as a limited operating area or an unlimited operating area.The limited operating area corresponds to an area where either the first or second distance is less than a predetermined distance, and the unlimited operating area corresponds to an area where either the first or second distance is greater than or equal to the predetermined distance. When either the first or second distance is less than the predetermined distance, the light source device may designate the corresponding first or second area as a limited operating area in a manner that can be observed by a person in the vicinity of the vehicle. Conversely, when the other first or second distance is greater than or equal to the predetermined distance, the light source device may designate the corresponding first or second area as an unlimited operating area in a manner that can be observed by a person in the vicinity of the vehicle. The light source device can designate the first or second area as a limited operating area or an unlimited operating area with one or more light sources. These one or more light sources can illuminate at least a portion of a floor within the first area and illuminate at least a portion of the floor within the second area. The vehicle may comprise a cargo handling assembly and a power unit including an operator station, and wherein said one or more light sources illuminate at least a portion of the floor between: the cargo handling assembly and the first boundary object, the cargo handling assembly and the second boundary object, the power unit and the first boundary object, and the power unit and the second boundary object. These one or more light sources may be located in the vehicle. The light source device can only designate the first or second area as a limited operating area or an unlimited operating area when the vehicle is located in a corridor. The first and / or second boundary object can be a wall or a storage structure. The predetermined distance may comprise a first predetermined distance, and when the first or second distance is greater than or equal to the first predetermined distance but less than a second predetermined distance, the light source device may designate the corresponding first or second area in a third way that can be observed by an operator, the third way being different from the first and second ways. The system may further comprise a detection system that detects that an operator has left a vehicle operator station and whether the operator left the operator station from a first exit on the left side of the vehicle or from a second exit on the right side of the vehicle; wherein if the left or right side of the vehicle from which the operator left the operator station is designated as a limited operating area, the controller may modify at least one function of the vehicle. Said at least one function of the vehicle that can be modified comprises at least one of the following: traction control, operation of a lifting carriage of a vehicle cargo handling assembly, or remote control operation of the vehicle. According to a second aspect of the disclosure, a method is provided for controlling a light source device associated with a material handling vehicle, wherein the material handling vehicle comprises one or more detection devices, the method comprises: detecting by means of one or more detection devices a first distance from a left side of the vehicle to a first boundary object and a second distance from a right side of the vehicle to a second boundary object;to control the light source device to designate a first area on the left side of the vehicle as a limited operating area or an unlimited operating area and to designate a second area on the right side of the vehicle as a limited operating area or an unlimited operating area, the limited operating area corresponding to an area where the first or second distance is less than a predetermined distance and the unlimited operating area corresponding to an area where the first or second distance is greater than or equal to the predetermined distance; to designate by means of the light source device, when one of the first or second distances is less than the predetermined distance, the corresponding first or second area as a limited operating area in a manner that can be observed by a person in the vicinity of the vehicle;and simultaneously designate by means of the light source device, when simultaneously, with said distance that is less than the predetermined distance, the other of the nt7?n Ln / zznz / E / YiAi first or second distance is greater than or equal to the predetermined distance, the first or second corresponding area as an unlimited operating area in a second manner that can be observed by a person in the vicinity of the vehicle.; The light source device may comprise one or more light sources. The method may further comprise illuminating by means of said one or more light sources at least a portion of the floor within the first area and illuminating at least a portion of the floor within the second area. The vehicle may further comprise a cargo handling assembly and a power unit including an operator station, and wherein said one or more light sources may illuminate at least a portion of the floor between: the cargo handling assembly and the first boundary object, the cargo handling assembly and the second boundary object, the power unit and the first boundary object, and the power unit and the second boundary object. These one or more light sources may be located in the vehicle. The light source device can only designate the first or second area as a limited operating area or an unlimited operating area when the vehicle is located in a corridor. The first and / or second boundary object can be a wall or a storage structure. The predetermined distance may comprise a first predetermined distance, and when the first or second distance is greater than or equal to the first predetermined distance but less than a second predetermined distance, the light source device may designate the corresponding first or second area in a third way that can be observed by an operator, the third way being different from the first and second ways. The system may further comprise a detection system that detects that an operator has left a vehicle operator station and whether the operator left the operator station from a first exit on the left side of the vehicle or from a second exit on the right side of the vehicle; wherein if the left or right side of the vehicle from which the operator left the operator station is designated as a limited operating area, a controller may modify at least one function of the vehicle. The at least one of the vehicle functions being modified may include at least one traction control function, operation of a lifting carriage of a vehicle cargo handling assembly, or remote control operation of the vehicle. At least one function that has been modified can return to its initial state when the operator returns to the operator station. Brief description of the drawings Figures 1 and 2 are side and top views, respectively, of a material handling vehicle according to one or more of the modalities shown and described in this document; Figure 2A is a side view of another material handling vehicle according to one or more of the modalities shown and described herein; Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of several components of a material handling vehicle with remote wireless operation capability according to one or more modalities shown and described in this document; Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of a material handling vehicle according to one or more of the modalities shown and described in this document; Figure 4A is a flowchart of an exemplary method for designating an area around a material handling vehicle as a limited or unlimited operating area according to one or more of the modalities shown and described herein; Figure 4B is a flowchart of an exemplary method for detecting that an operator has exited a material handling vehicle according to one or more of the modalities shown and described herein; Figure 4C is a perspective view of another material handling vehicle according to one or more modalities as shown and described in this document. Figure 4D is a schematic illustration of a material handling vehicle that generates second and third clues; Figure 4E is a schematic illustration of a material handling vehicle that illustrates the operation of the vehicle according to one or more of the modes described in this document; Figure 4F is a side view of a material handling vehicle according to another modality described in this document; Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of a material handling vehicle according to one or more of the modalities shown and described in this document; Figure 5A is a flowchart of an exemplary method for determining position information of a material handling vehicle according to one or more of the modes shown and described herein; Figures 6A to 6E are schematic illustrations of a material handling vehicle being progressively driven into an aisle by an operator according to one or more of the modes shown and described herein; Figures 6F and 6G represent a flowchart of an exemplary method for assisting an operator in properly positioning a material handling vehicle in an aisle according to one or more of the modes shown and described herein; Figure 7 is a side view of another material handling vehicle according to one or more of the modalities shown and described in this document; Figure 8 is a perspective view of a cart according to one or more modalities as shown and described in this document; and Figure 9 is a schematic illustration of a detection system according to one or more modalities shown and described in this document. ni?7n ίη / 77Ω7 / Β / YILI Detailed description of the invention The following text provides a broad description of numerous different modalities of this disclosure. This description should be interpreted as illustrative only and does not describe all possible modalities, as describing every possible modality would be impractical, if not impossible. It is understood that any attribute, characteristic, component, composition, ingredient, product, step, or methodology described herein may be removed, combined with, or substituted, in whole or in part, by any other attribute, characteristic, component, composition, ingredient, product, step, or methodology described herein. It should be understood that multiple combinations of the modalities described and shown are contemplated, and that a particular focus on one modality does not preclude its inclusion in a combination with other modalities described.Numerous alternative methods could also be implemented, using either current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this patent application, which would still fall within the scope of the claims. All publications and patents cited herein are incorporated herein by reference. Montacarqa for picking low-level orders With reference to the drawings, particularly Figures 1 and 2, a material handling vehicle 10, illustrated as a low-level order picking forklift, includes a load handling assembly 12 that is coupled to and extends from a power unit 14. The vehicle 10 is part of a system 8, which system 8 will be described more fully later. The load handling assembly 12 includes a pair of forks 16, each fork 16 having a load-bearing wheel assembly 18. The load handling assembly 12 may include other load handling features in addition to, or instead of, the illustrated arrangement of the forks 16, such as a load backrest, scissor-type lifting forks, stabilizers, or separate height-adjustable forks, as a few examples.Furthermore, the load handling assembly 12 may include load handling features such as a mast, loading platform, collection box, or other support structure carried by the forks 16 or otherwise provided to handle a load supported and carried by the vehicle 10. Although the present disclosure is made with reference to the illustrated vehicle 10, it will be evident to those experienced in the subject matter that vehicle 10 may comprise a variety of other industrial vehicles, such as a forklift, reach truck, etc., and that the following description with reference to the figures should not be limited to an order picking forklift unless otherwise specified.Additionally, the vehicle 10 can be implemented in other formats, styles, and features, including a vehicle 10 that includes a cargo handling assembly in the form of a hook, clamp, trailer, such as a towing vehicle, etc. The illustrated power unit 14 comprises a stepped operator station 20 that divides a first end section of the power unit 14 (opposite the forks 16) from a second end section (near the forks 16). The operator station 20 includes a platform 21 on which an operator can stand to operate the vehicle 10 and / or provide a ΠΠ7η ίη / 77Π7 / E / YΙΛΙ position from which the operator can operate the various features included of the vehicle 10. The operator manually controls the displacement functions of the vehicle 10 using operator controls 24 provided at the operator station 20. The power unit 14 further comprises at least one steering wheel 108. The hoist 10 comprises a wire steering system for effecting the angular movement of the steering wheel 108. The wire steering system 80 comprises a control handle 90 forming part of the operator controls 24, a steering motor 114, and the steering wheel 108, see Figures 1 and 3. The term “control handle” is intended to encompass the control handle 90 illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 and similar control handles, including steering levers and steering wheels. The control handle 90 may be rotatable by an operator approximately + / - 60 degrees from a centered position, where the centered position corresponds to the steering wheel 108 being in a straight position.A control handlebar position sensor 100A, shown in Figure 3, detects the angular position of the control handlebar 90 and may include a potentiometer. An operator can rotate the control handlebar 90 within the angular range of approximately + / -60 degrees in the illustrated mode to control the movement of the steering wheel 108, which wheel 108 may be able to rotate approximately + / -90 degrees from a centered position in the illustrated mode. As the control handlebar 90 is rotated by the operator, the control handlebar position sensor 100A detects this rotation, i.e., magnitude and direction, and generates a steering control signal corresponding to a desired angular position of the steering wheel 108 to the controller 103 (see Figure 3), which may be communicatively coupled to a steering controller 112.Controller 103 generates a steering drive signal corresponding to steering controller 112, which is coupled to steering motor 114, causing steering motor 114 to move steering wheel 108 to the desired angular position. Control handle 90 and control handle position sensor 100A define a steering device. Presence sensors 22 (see Figure 2) 58 can be provided to detect the presence of an operator in the vehicle 10. For example, the presence sensors 22 can be located on, above, or below the platform floor, or they can be provided in a similar manner around the operator station 20. In the example vehicle 10 of Figure 2, the presence sensors 22 are shown as dashed lines indicating that they are positioned below the platform 21. With this arrangement, the presence sensors 22 can comprise load sensors, switches, etc. Alternatively, the presence sensors 22 can be implemented above the platform 21, such as using ultrasonic, capacitive, or other suitable sensing technology. The use of the presence sensors 22 will be described in more detail later in this document. The vehicle 10 illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 includes first and second exits 26A, 26B, from which the operator of operator station 20 can exit. The first exit 26A is located on a left side LS of vehicle 10, and the second exit 26B is located on a right side RS of vehicle 10, as shown in Figure 2. ni?7n Ln / zznz / E / YiAi According to one embodiment shown in Figure 2, the vehicle 10 may include a pole extending vertically from the power unit 14 and including an antenna 30 provided for receiving control signals from a corresponding wireless remote control device 32. The pole may include a light 33 at the top, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. According to another embodiment, as shown in Figure 2A, the antenna may be located within other components of the vehicle, so that the control signals from the remote control device 32 are received elsewhere on the vehicle 10, as will be discussed later. The remote control device 32 is manually operable by an operator, for example, by pressing a button or other control, to cause the remote control device 32 to wirelessly transmit at least one type of signal designating a movement request to a vehicle 10 that is paired with the remote control device 32. The movement request is a command that instructs the vehicle 10 to move, as will be described in more detail later in this document. Although the remote control device 32 is illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 as a finger-mounted structure, numerous implementations of the remote control device 32 are possible, including, for example, a glove structure, a lanyard or belt-mounted structure, etc. Further details regarding the remote control device 32 will be discussed later. The vehicle 10 also comprises one or more contactless obstacle sensors 40, which are provided around the vehicle 10, for example, towards the first end section of the power unit 14 as shown in Figures 1 and 2. The obstacle sensors 40 are operable to define at least one detection zone. For example, at least one detection zone can define an area at least partially in front of a forward-moving direction of the vehicle 10 when the vehicle 10 is moving in response to a movement request received wirelessly from the remote control device 32, as will also be described in further detail herein. The obstacle sensors 40 may comprise any suitable proximity sensing technology, such as ultrasonic sensors, image capture devices, infrared sensors, laser scanner sensors, etc., that are capable of detecting the presence of objects / obstacles or are capable of generating signals that can be analyzed to detect the presence of objects / obstacles within the predefined detection zone(s). In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the vehicle 10 includes a first obstacle detector 42 and a pair of second obstacle detectors 44A and 44B mounted on the power unit 14.The first obstacle detector 42 is separated from the second obstacle detectors 44A and 44B along a vertical axis VA of the vehicle 10 that defines a vertical direction, i.e., the second obstacle detectors 44A and 44B are located below (closer to the ground than) the first obstacle detector 42, see figure 1. The second obstacle detectors 44A and 44B are separated from each other along a horizontal axis HA of the vehicle 10 that defines a horizontal direction, see figure 2. The first obstacle detector 42 may comprise a capable scanning or sweeping laser sensor ΠΠ7η ίΠ / 77Ω7 / E / YΙΛΙ of detecting objects, for example, in first, second and third zones Zi, Z2, Z3 (also referred to herein as scanning zones or detection zones), the first, second and third zones Z1, Z2, Z3 of which may comprise flat zones, see Figures 1 and 2. The second zone Z2 may comprise a “stop zone”, in which the vehicle 10 stops if it is moving under the control of the remote control device 32 and an object is detected in the stop zone, and the first and third zones Z1 and Z3 may comprise left and right “steering bumper zones”, in which the vehicle 10 may be steered to try to avoid contact with an object if it is moving under the control of the remote control device 32 and an object is detected in the steering bumper zone. It is observed that the first obstacle detector 42 may be able to detect objects in more or fewer zones in addition to the three zones Z1, Z2, Z3 illustrated.The second obstacle detectors 44A and 44B may comprise point laser sensors capable of detecting objects between one or more of the zones Z1, Z2, Z3 of the first obstacle detector 42 and the vehicle 10, i.e., below one or more of the zones Z1, Z2, Z3, as illustrated in Figure 1, and / or beyond the zones Z1, Z2, Z3, and are preferably capable of detecting objects at least below the second zone Z2. The second obstacle detectors 44A and 44B are therefore capable of detecting objects located in an undetected zone DZ of the first obstacle detector 42, see Figure 1, i.e., which undetected zone DZ is defined as an area below the zones Z1, Z2, Z3 and therefore not detected by the first obstacle detector 42.Therefore, the first obstacle detector 42 functions to detect objects located along a displacement path of the power unit 14 beyond the undetected zone DZ, while the second obstacle detectors 44A and 44B function to detect objects along the displacement path of the power unit 14 in the undetected zone DZ, which is located just in front of the vehicle 10, as shown in Figure 1. Additional sensor configurations and / or detection zones can be used. Control systems Referring to Figure 3, a block diagram illustrates a control arrangement for integrating remote control commands with vehicle 10. A receiver 102, which may be a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) radio, for example, is provided to receive commands issued by the remote control device 32. The receiver 102 passes the received control signals to the controller 103, which implements the appropriate response to the received commands and may therefore be referred to herein as a master controller. In this sense, the controller 103 is implemented in hardware and may also run software (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.). Furthermore, the implementation may take the form of a computer program product embedded in one or more computer-readable media that have computer-readable program code embedded therein.For example, vehicle 10 may include memory that stores the computer program product, which, when implemented by means of a controller processor 103, implements address correction as more fully described herein. ΠΠ7η ίΠ / 77Ω7 / Ε / ΥΙΛΙ Therefore, controller 103 can define, at least in part, a data processing system suitable for storing and / or executing program code and can include at least one processor coupled directly or indirectly to memory elements, for example, via a system bus or other appropriate connection. Memory elements can include local memory used during actual program code execution, memory integrated into a microcontroller or application-specific integrated circuit (ASIO), a programmable gate array or other reconfigurable processing device, etc.The response implemented by controller 103 in response to commands received wirelessly, for example, via a wireless transmitter 178 from remote control device 32 (discussed later) and sent to receiver 102 in vehicle 10, may comprise one or more actions, or inaction, depending on the logic being implemented. Positive actions may include controlling, adjusting, or otherwise affecting one or more components of vehicle 10. Controller 103 may also receive information from other inputs 104, for example, from sources such as presence sensors 22, obstacle sensors 40, switches, load sensors, encoders, and other devices / features available to vehicle 10 to determine the appropriate action in response to commands received from remote control device 32. Sensors 22, 40, etc.They can be coupled to the controller 103 by means of inputs 104 or by means of a suitable forklift network, such as a control area network (CAN) bus 110. In an exemplary arrangement, the remote control device 32 is operative for wirelessly transmitting a control signal representing a first-type signal, such as a travel command, to the receiver 102 in the vehicle 10. The travel command is also referred to herein as a “travel signal,” “travel request,” or “move signal.” The travel request is used to initiate a request to the vehicle 10 to travel, for example, while the travel signal is being received by the receiver 102 and / or sent by the remote control device 32, for a predetermined amount, for example, to cause the vehicle 10 to move forward or push in a first direction a limited travel distance, or for a limited time.The first direction can be defined, for example, by the movement of vehicle 10 in a first direction of the power unit 14, i.e., the forks 16 backward. However, other directions of travel can be defined alternatively. Furthermore, vehicle 10 can be controlled to travel in a generally straight direction or along a predetermined heading. Correspondingly, the limited travel distance can be specified by an approximate travel distance, travel time, or other measure. Therefore, a first-type signal received by receiver 102 is communicated to controller 103. If controller 103 determines that the displacement signal is a valid displacement signal and that the current vehicle conditions are appropriate, controller 103 sends a signal to the appropriate control setting of vehicle 10 to move forward and then stop vehicle 10. ΠΠ7η ίΩ / 77Ω7 / Β / ΥΙΛΙ The stopping of vehicle 10 can be implemented, for example, either by allowing vehicle 10 to coast to a stop or by initiating a braking operation until vehicle 10 comes to a complete stop. As an example, controller 103 can be communicatively coupled to a traction control system, illustrated as a traction motor controller 106 of vehicle 10. The traction motor controller 106 is coupled to a traction motor 107 that drives at least one steering wheel 108 of vehicle 10. Controller 103 can communicate with the traction motor controller 106 to accelerate, decelerate, adjust, and / or otherwise limit the speed of vehicle 10 in response to receiving a shift request from remote control device 32. As noted above, controller 103 can also be communicatively coupled to the steering controller 112, which is coupled to the steering motor 114 that steers at least one steering wheel 108 of vehicle 10.In this regard, vehicle 10 can be controlled by controller 103 to travel along a desired path or maintain a predetermined course in response to receiving a displacement request from remote control device 32. As yet another illustrative example, controller 103 may be communicatively coupled with a braking controller 116 that controls the vehicle's brakes 117 to decelerate, stop, or otherwise control the speed of vehicle 10 in response to receiving a shift request from the remote control device 32. Furthermore, controller 103 may be communicatively coupled to other vehicle features, such as main switches 118, and / or other outputs 119 associated with vehicle 10, where applicable, to implement desired actions in response to the implementation of the remote shift functionality. According to various configurations, controller 103 can communicate with receiver 102 and traction motor controller 106 to operate vehicle 10 under remote control in response to travel commands received from the associated remote control device 32. Furthermore, controller 103 can be configured to perform various actions if vehicle 10 is traveling under remote control in response to a travel request and an obstacle is detected in one or more of the detection zones Zi, Z2, and Z3. In this regard, when controller 103 receives a travel signal from remote control device 32, it can consider any number of factors to determine whether to act on the received travel signal to initiate and / or maintain the movement of vehicle 10. Accordingly, if vehicle 10 is moving in response to a command received by remote control device 32, controller 103 can dynamically alter, control, adjust, or otherwise affect the remote control operation, for example, by stopping vehicle 10, changing the steering angle of vehicle 10, or taking other actions. Therefore, particular vehicle characteristics, the state / condition of one or more vehicle characteristics, the vehicle environment, etc., can influence how controller 103 responds to movement requests from remote control device 32. Controller 103 may refuse to acknowledge a received shift request nt7?n Ln / zznz / E / YiAi depending on predetermined condition(s), such as those related to environmental or operational factors. For example, controller 103 may ignore an otherwise valid shift request based on information obtained from one or more of sensors 22 and 40. As an illustration, in various modes, controller 103 may optionally consider factors such as whether an operator is in vehicle 10 when determining whether to respond to a shift command from remote control device 32. As mentioned previously, vehicle 10 may include at least one presence sensor 22 to detect whether an operator is positioned in vehicle 10.In this regard, controller 103 can also be configured to respond to a movement request to operate vehicle 10 under remote control when the presence sensor(s) 22 indicate that there is no operator in vehicle 10. Therefore, in this implementation, vehicle 10 cannot be operated in response to wireless commands from remote control device 32 unless the operator is physically outside of vehicle 10. Similarly, if obstacle sensors 40 detect that an object, including the operator, is adjacent to and / or near vehicle 10, controller 103 can refuse to acknowledge a movement request from remote control device 32.Therefore, in an exemplary implementation, an operator should be located within a limited range of vehicle 10, for example, close enough to vehicle 10 to be within wireless communication range (which may be limited to establish a maximum distance of the operator from vehicle 10). Alternatively, other accommodations may be implemented. Alternatively, any number of other reasonable conditions, factors, parameters, or other considerations may be implemented by means of controller 103 to interpret and act in response to the signals received from transmitter 178. Upon recognizing a travel request, controller 103 interacts with the traction motor controller 106, either directly or indirectly, for example, via a bus such as the CAN bus 110 if used, to move vehicle 10 forward. Depending on the specific implementation, controller 103 may interact with the traction motor controller 106 and, optionally, the steering controller 112, to move vehicle 10 forward while a travel control signal is received. Alternatively, controller 103 may interact with the traction motor controller 106 and, optionally, the steering controller 112, to move vehicle 10 forward for a predetermined period of time or distance in response to the detection and sustained activation of a travel control signal on the remote control device 32.Furthermore, controller 103 can be configured to “expire” and stop the movement of vehicle 10 based on a predetermined event, such as exceeding a predetermined time period or travel distance, regardless of the detection of sustained actuation of a corresponding control on the remote control device 32. The remote control device 32 can also be used to transmit a second-type signal, such as a "stop signal," indicating that vehicle 10 must brake and / or otherwise come to a stop. The second-type signal can also be implied, for example, after implementing GH77Π ίη / ZZΖΠZ / Β / YΙΛΙ a “move” command, for example, after vehicle 10 has moved a predetermined distance, moved for a predetermined time, etc., under remote control in response to the move command. If controller 103 determines that a wirelessly received signal is a stop signal, controller 103 sends a signal to the traction motor controller 106, the braking controller 116, and / or another vehicle component to bring vehicle 10 to a stop. As an alternative to a stop signal, the second type of signal may comprise a “coast” signal or a “controlled deceleration signal” designating that vehicle 10 should coast, eventually slowing down to a stop. The time required for vehicle 10 to come to a complete stop can vary, depending, for example, on the intended application, environmental conditions, the capabilities of the particular vehicle 10, the load on vehicle 10, and other similar factors. For example, after completing an appropriate push movement, it may be desirable to allow vehicle 10 to coast a certain distance before coming to a complete stop so that vehicle 10 comes to a slow halt. This can be achieved using regenerative braking to slow vehicle 10 to a complete stop. Alternatively, a braking operation can be applied after a predetermined delay time to allow vehicle 10 a predetermined additional travel range after the start of the stop operation.It may also be desirable to bring vehicle 10 to a relatively quick stop, for example, if an object is detected in vehicle 10's path of travel or if an immediate stop is desired after a successful push operation. For example, controller 103 can apply a predetermined torque to the braking operation. Under such conditions, controller 103 can instruct brake controller 116 to apply brakes 117 to stop vehicle 10. A pairing system 34 can use, for example, a short-range system to communicate wirelessly with a compatible short-range system in the wireless remote control device 32. Using the pairing system 34, a vehicle 10 and wireless remote control device 32 can be “paired” such that a vehicle 10 will transmit and receive messages only from its paired wireless remote control device 32. The pairing system 34 includes components that physically implement the communication method (e.g., Bluetooth, NFC, BLE, Wi-Fi, etc.) used to send messages and includes components that programmatically exchange information in an agreed-upon protocol to establish and maintain a pairing.Therefore, the pairing system 34 includes a device that can execute programmable instructions to implement a predetermined algorithm and protocol to achieve pairing operations. With reference now to Figures 1, 2, and 4, Figure 4 schematically illustrates a slightly different embodiment of Vehicle 10, which may generally include the same components of Vehicle 10 as shown in Figures 1, 2, and 2A. According to one embodiment, System 8 further comprises a light source device 200 to designate an area towards the left side LS or right side RS (see Figures 2 and 4) of Vehicle 10 as a limited operating area and / or an area to the left side LS or right side RS of Vehicle 10 as an unlimited operating area.As used herein, the phrase “limited operating area” may refer to an area where a distance Di or D2 between the left or right side (LS, LR) of vehicle 10 and a boundary object 202 adjacent to which vehicle 10 is located, such as a wall, support post, or storage structure like shelving, rack, pallet, and the like, is less than a predetermined distance, and the phrase “unlimited operating area” may refer to an area where the distance Di or D2 is greater than or equal to the predetermined distance. The distance Di may be referred to as a first distance, the distance D2 as a second distance, an area toward the left side (LS) of the vehicle may be referred to as a first area, and an area toward the right side (RS) of the vehicle may be referred to as a second area.The “default distance” can be set to a value such that when the distance Di or D2 is less than the default distance, the area corresponding to that distance Di or D2 can be an area not large enough to accommodate an operator or person while also maintaining a minimum clearance distance (the clearance distance of which can be defined by the vehicle owner or vehicle manufacturer) between the operator or person and the boundary object 202, and when the distance Di or D2 is greater than or equal to the default distance, the area corresponding to that distance Di or D2 can be an area of ​​sufficient size to accommodate an operator or person and maintain a minimum clearance distance between the operator or person and the boundary object 202.The distances Di and D2 are measured between vehicle 10 and object 202, for example, between the power unit 14 of vehicle 10 and object 202, or between the load handling assembly 12 and object 202, in a lateral direction LD, which is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis LA of vehicle 10, as shown in Figure 4. As mentioned above, the controller 103 can receive information from the obstacle sensors 40. The controller 103 can also be coupled to the light source device 200 to control the operation of the device 200.The distances Di and Ü2 can be determined by means of the controller 103, for example, using sensor information or data obtained from one or more sensing devices coupled to the controller 103, such as the obstacle sensor(s) 40, including the first obstacle detector 42, or other suitable sensors, or using positional data of the vehicle 10 relative to known positional data of the object 202. As mentioned above, the first obstacle detector 42 may comprise a scanning laser sensor, the scanning sensor of which can detect or measure distances in the X and Y directions and can therefore measure the distances Di and D2 between the vehicle 10 and the object(s) 202. The light source device 200 may comprise a light controller 1202 and one or more light sources 204 coupled to the light controller 1202, wherein said one or more light sources 204 may be located on the vehicle 10 and may comprise visible lasers, light bars, projectors, etc., wherein the light sources 204 may project visible indications onto the floor adjacent to the vehicle 10 on the left side (LS) and / or right side (RS), and also optionally in front of and / or behind the vehicle. See Figure 4C for exemplary locations of the light sources 204. The light controller 1202 may be coupled to the controller 103, wherein the controller 103 controls the operation of said one or more light sources 204 by means of the light controller 1202.It is contemplated that in addition to the light source locations shown in Figure 40, in some embodiments, the light sources 204 could be incorporated into the vehicle structure 10 in such a way that they are flush with the lines of the vehicle body 10. In some embodiments, the light sources 204 may be coupled to the power unit 14, the forks 16, skirt, etc. and positioned in such a way that they do not become misaligned if an object makes contact with the light source 204.When the distance Di or D2 between vehicle 10 and object 202 is less than the predetermined distance, the controller 103 activates or controls by means of the light controller 1202 said one or more light sources 204 in such a way that said one or more light sources 204 designate the area between vehicle 10 and object 202 as a limited operating area in a manner that can be observed by an operator or a person in the vicinity of the vehicle, for example, by illuminating at least a portion of the floor adjacent to vehicle 10 that corresponds to the limited operating area with visible indications.When the distance Di or D2 between vehicle 10 and object 202 is greater than or equal to the predetermined distance, controller 103 controls by means of light controller 1202 said one or more light sources 204 in such a way that they do not designate the area between vehicle 10 and object 202 as a limited operating area, wherein controller 103 may activate or control said one or more light sources 204 by means of light controller 1202 in such a way that they optionally designate the area between vehicle 10 and object 202 as an unlimited operating area in a manner that can be observed by the operator or a person in the vicinity of vehicle 10, for example, by illuminating at least a portion of the floor adjacent to vehicle 10 that corresponds to the unlimited operating area with visible indicators that are distinguishable from the indicators used to designate a limited operating area. When both distances Di and D2 are currently greater than or equal to the default distance, the controller 103 may activate one or more light sources 204 to simultaneously designate the first and second areas on opposite sides of the vehicle 10 as unrestricted operating areas. Similarly, when both distances Di and D2 are currently less than the default distance, the controller 103 may activate one or more light sources 204 to simultaneously designate the first and second areas on opposite sides of the vehicle 10 as restricted operating areas.Additionally, when one of the distances Di or D2 is greater than or equal to the predetermined distance, and the other of the distances Di or D2 is simultaneously less than the predetermined distance, the controller 103 can activate said one or more light sources 204 by means of the light controller 1202 in such a way that said one or more light sources 204 simultaneously designate one of the first and second areas as a limited operating area and the other of the first and second areas as an unlimited operating area. According to one modality, said one or more light sources 204 may designate a limited operating area using a first indicator 206 (see Figure 4), such as a first light pattern, which may have a first light color, and an unlimited operating area using a second indicator 208 (see Figure 4) distinguishable from the first indicator 206, such as a second light pattern, which may have a second light color different from the first light color. As another optional feature, said one or more light sources 204 may designate that vehicle 10 is approaching a limited operating area using a third indicator 209 that is distinguishable from the first indicator 206 and the second indicator 208, such as a third light pattern, which may have a third light color.The controller 103 can cause the third indicator 209 to be illuminated by one or more light sources 204 when the distance between the vehicle 10 and the object 202 is greater than or equal to the predetermined distance, i.e., a first predetermined distance DA, but less than a second predetermined distance DB, see Figure 4D. Therefore, the second and third indicators can be illuminated simultaneously when the distance between the vehicle 10 and the object 202 is greater than the first predetermined distance, but less than the second predetermined distance. Separate light sources 205, coupled to the light controller 1202, can be provided to generate the third indicator 209. Such one or more light sources 204 and separate light sources 205 may be located anywhere in the vehicle 10, such as in the power unit 14, for example, and are preferably located where they can illuminate at least a portion of the floor between the load handling assembly 12 and object 202 and between the power unit / operator station 14 / 20 and object 202. In these modes, controller 103 will only activate one or more light sources 204 and separate light sources 205 to illuminate the applicable indicator if vehicle 10 is determined to be in aisle 210. In this mode, light sources 204 and separate light sources 205 will not activate while vehicle 10 is in a location other than aisle 210. Vehicle 10 can be determined to be in aisle 210, for example, by controller 103 using sensor data from obstacle sensor(s) 40, by a warehouse management system (WMS) that communicates with vehicle 10, and / or using positional data from vehicle 10, etc. This mode provides an operator or other person in the vicinity of vehicle 10 with a suggestion of where they should avoid walking (limited operating area), as well as a suggestion of where they should walk (unrestricted operating area). When device 200 is located on vehicle 10, it moves with the vehicle, which is beneficial because there will be no limited operating area when vehicle 10 is not in the vicinity. In other words, an area can only become a limited operating area when vehicle 10 is present and located near object 202, such as a wall or shelf. Referring now to Figure 4A, an exemplary method 230 is shown for illustrating the designation of an area around vehicle 10 as a limited or unrestricted operating area. In step 232, vehicle 10 is located within an aisle 210, and the distance Di from vehicle 10 to a first shelf adjacent to the left side LS of vehicle 10 is less than the predetermined distance, i.e., the first predetermined distance. Simultaneously, the distance D2 from vehicle 10 to a second shelf adjacent to the right side RS of vehicle 10 is greater than or equal to the predetermined distance, i.e., the first predetermined distance. In step 234, the device 200, operated by means of the controller 103, illuminates at least a portion of the floor between the left side LS of vehicle 10 and the first shelf with the first indicator 206 to designate this area as a limited operating area.For example, controller 103 can control device 200 such that device 200 generates a first cue 206 (see Figure 4) comprising a first light pattern and a first light color. In optional step 236 (optional steps are indicated by dotted boxes in the figures), device 200, actuated by controller 103, simultaneously illuminates at least a portion of the floor between the right RS side of vehicle 10 and the second shelf with the second cue 208 to designate this area as an unrestricted operating area. For example, controller 103 can control device 200 such that device 200 generates a second cue 208 (see Figure 4) comprising a second light pattern and a second light color.In step 238, once the distance Di from vehicle 10 to the first shelf is greater than or equal to the predetermined distance, device 200, in response to being controlled by controller 103, removes the first cue 206, and may optionally illuminate at least a portion of the floor between the left LS side of vehicle 10 and the first shelf with the second cue 208 to designate this area as an unrestricted operating area.As another optional step 240, as vehicle 10 approaches a position where the distance Di or D2 from vehicle 10 to the first or second rack will soon be less than the first default distance DA and is currently only less than the second default distance DB, device 200 illuminates at least a portion of the floor between the corresponding left side LS or right side RS of vehicle 10 and the respective first or second rack with the third cue 209 to indicate that vehicle 10 is approaching a position where the area between vehicle 10 and the rack will become a limited operating area. Referring again to Figure 4, System 8 may further comprise a detection system 250 that detects when an operator has left operator station 20 of vehicle 10. The detection system 250 is also capable of distinguishing whether an operator exited the vehicle from the first exit 26A or the second exit 26B. The detection system 250 may comprise, for example, first and second photoelectric sensors, such as light curtain sensors 252A and 252B, one located at the first exit 26A and the other at the second exit 26B. The light curtain sensors 252A and 252B are capable of detecting an operator passing through the respective exits 26A and 26B to distinguish through which exit 26A or 26B the operator exited vehicle 10.The detection system 250 may further comprise the operator presence sensors 22 (see Figure 2), wherein the data from the operator presence sensors 22 can be further used to determine that an operator has exited vehicle 10, and used in combination with the data from the light curtain sensors 252A, 252B to determine through which exit 26A, 26B the operator exited vehicle 10. According to the modalities, if vehicle 10 is positioned within a predefined distance from an object 202, for example, a wall or shelf, located adjacent to the side of vehicle 10 from which an operator of vehicle 10 emerged, as determined by the detection system 250, at least one function of vehicle 10 can be modified by the controller 103, for example, disabled, limited, or activated. The predefined distance is measured in the lateral direction LD between vehicle 10 and object 202. The predefined distance may be the same as, similar to, or different from the default distance discussed above.This mode could be used in conjunction with light source(s) 204, so that when exiting the vehicle, the operator will know whether they are entering a limited operating area or a non-limited operating area, i.e., based on the first or second illuminated indications 206 or 208 on the floor adjacent to vehicle 10. Therefore, light source(s) 204 could designate an area on the left side LS or right side RS of vehicle 10 as a limited operating area when the vehicle is positioned within a predefined distance from an object 202, where the predefined distance may be the same as the predetermined distance discussed above. The vehicle function(s) that are modified by means of controller 103 may be, for example, vehicle traction / movement control, for example, the maximum permitted speed of vehicle 10 may be limited or the traction control of vehicle 10 may be disabled, load handling assembly functions, for example, lifting and / or lowering may be limited or disabled, the remote control functionality of vehicle 10 may be disabled by means of remote control device 32, a vehicle alert system may be activated, for example, to start an alarm, etc. As mentioned previously, the data from the operator presence sensors 22 can be used to further determine that an operator has left the vehicle 10. In this respect, the system 250 is also capable of detecting a situation where, for example, the operator has moved one foot out of the vehicle 10, but the other foot is still inside the vehicle 10; that is, one of the light curtain sensors 252A or 252B detected a pass-through (e.g., the operator's foot / leg passing through), but the operator presence sensors 22 still detect the operator's presence on the platform 21. In this situation, the aforementioned vehicle function(s) may or may not be disabled by the controller 103, and / or the vehicle 10 may issue an alarm or other warning to prompt the operator to move their foot / leg back inside the operator station 20.Alternative measures can also be taken, such as, for example, stopping vehicle 10 until the operator returns their foot / leg inside operator station 20. Now, with reference to Figure 4B, an exemplary method 270 is provided to illustrate the detection that an operator has exited vehicle 10. In step 272, system 250 detects that an operator has exited vehicle 10. In step 274, which can be carried out simultaneously with step 272, system 250 detects from which exit 26A or 26B the operator exited. Assuming in this example that the operator exited vehicle 10 to a side of vehicle 10 where a boundary object is located within the predefined distance from vehicle 10, at least one function of vehicle 10 is modified by means of controller 103; for example, it is limited, disabled, or activated in step 276.At least one function of vehicle 10 can be returned to its previous state by means of controller 103 when the operator performs one or more actions, such as, for example, returning to vehicle 10, moving out of the area between the boundary object and vehicle 10, actuating a manual input, such as a button / switch, etc., located on vehicle 10 or on a TS touch screen (see figure 4C), or by turning vehicle 10 off and then restarting. This mode could also be used with a vehicle that has only one exit. That is, if a single-exit vehicle is positioned within a predefined distance from a boundary object (for example, a wall or shelf) located adjacent to the side of the vehicle, GH77Π ίη / ZZΖΠZ / Β / YΙΛΙ has the output, at least one function of vehicle 10 can be disabled as described in this document. This configuration could also be used with a vehicle that has two exits, but where one of the exits includes a light curtain sensor. This setup could be used, for example, where, while driving in a corridor, the vehicle is always positioned closer to one side of the corridor than the other—for instance, a situation where the vehicle is always driven along the left or right side of the corridor. In this case, only the exit corresponding to the side of the corridor along which the vehicle is driving can include a light curtain sensor. Turning now to Figure 5, according to one modality, the system 8 also includes at least one detection device 300, which may be the obstacle sensor(s) 40 discussed herein and / or other detection device(s). The detection device 300 monitors areas in front of and beside the vehicle 10 on its left and right sides (LS, RS). Specifically, the detection device 300 monitors a first area A1 adjacent to the left side (LS) of the vehicle 10, a second area A2 in front of the vehicle 10, and a third area A3 adjacent to the right side (RS) of the vehicle 10. Areas A1, A2, and A3 in Figure 5 are shown in exemplary locations. The data from the detection device 300 are used by the controller 103 to identify the position information of the vehicle 10 relative to one or more boundary objects 202 near which the vehicle 10 is located.Referring to the mode shown in Figure 5, the position of vehicle 10 in relation to a first rack 202A adjacent to the left side LS of vehicle 10 is determined by controller 103, and the position of vehicle 10 in relation to a second rack 202B adjacent to the right side RS of vehicle 10 is determined by controller 103. The position information may include the lateral distance from vehicle 10 to the first rack 202A and / or to the second rack 202B. Position information can be used by controller 103 to determine if vehicle 10 is located in aisle 210. For example, vehicle 10 can be determined to be located in aisle 210 if the distance Di between vehicle 10 and the first shelf 202A, plus the distance D2 between vehicle 10 and the second shelf 202B, plus the width of vehicle 10 are equal to or within a predefined range for a known width of aisle 210 (if distances Di and D2 were measured from the longitudinal axis LA of vehicle 10 to the respective shelves 202A, 202B, as opposed to being measured from the left and right sides LS, RS of vehicle 10, the width of vehicle 10 would be removed from this equation). Position information can also be used by controller 103 to determine if vehicle 10 is located in a desired position within aisle 210. For example, if the distances from vehicle 10 to the first and second racks 202A and 202B are equal or within a predetermined tolerance, it can be determined that vehicle 10 is located in the center of aisle 210. Or, if the distance from vehicle 10 to either the first rack 202A or the second rack 202B is equal to or within a predetermined tolerance of a hug distance (which will be discussed later), and, optionally, if it is determined by controller 103 that the If the operator is not present in vehicle 10 (for example, by means of information from detection system 250), it can be determined that vehicle 10 is in hug mode (which will be described later), or is in the appropriate position to initiate hug mode. The position information of vehicle 10 relative to the boundary object(s) can be used by controller 103 to modify at least one vehicle parameter. Example vehicle parameters that can be modified in this way include: a maximum allowable travel speed (for example, based on the position information, the maximum allowable travel speed can be reduced from a normal maximum allowable travel speed to a reduced maximum allowable travel speed or increased from the reduced maximum allowable travel speed to the normal maximum allowable travel speed);a maximum permissible turning angle (for example, based on position information, the maximum permissible turning angle can be reduced from a normal maximum permissible turning angle to a reduced maximum permissible turning angle or increased from the reduced maximum permissible turning angle to the normal maximum permissible turning angle); a steering wheel-to-steering device ratio; one or more vehicle lights (for example, based on position information, one or more lights on vehicle 10 can be switched on or off); a load-handling assembly lifting function (for example, based on position information, lifting / lowering functions of the load-handling assembly 12 can be adjusted, such as lifting / lowering speed or a maximum lifting height, and / or the load-handling assembly 12 can be automatically raised or lowered to a desired height);cues used to indicate that the vehicle is located in a particular area (e.g., based on position information, the first, second, or third cues 206, 208, 209 can be switched on or off); and / or, based on position information, an alert can be provided to indicate the presence of vehicle 10 in a corridor 210, such as an audible alert, visual alert, alert on a display screen (e.g., the TS touch screen), etc.; As mentioned previously, controller 103 receives the steering control signal from the control handle position sensor 100A, which detects the angular position of control handle 90 within the angular range of approximately + / - 60 degrees in the illustrated mode. Since a current steering control signal corresponds to a current control handle position of 90 that falls within the range of approximately + / - 60 degrees, and steering wheel 108 is capable of rotating through an angular range of + / - 90 degrees, controller 103 converts the current control handle position, as indicated by the steering control signal, to a corresponding desired angular position of steering wheel 108 by multiplying the current control handle position by a steering wheel-to-steering ratio, such as 90 / 60 or 1.5 / 1.For example, a control handlebar angular position of +60 degrees is equal to a desired steering wheel angular position of +90 degrees. For example, if the control handlebar angular position is +60 degrees, controller 103 multiplies +60 degrees by the ratio of 1.5 / 1.0 to determine a desired steering wheel angular position of +90 degrees and generates a corresponding steering drive signal for steering controller 112. ΠΠ7η ίΠ / 77Ω7 / Ε / ΥΙΛΙ The steering wheel-to-steering device ratio can be either 60 / 60 or 1.0 / 1.0. For example, if the angular position of control handle 90 is +60 degrees, controller 103 can multiply +60 degrees by the ratio of 1.0 / 1.0 to determine a desired angular position of steering wheel 108 equal to +60 degrees. The controller 103 can modify at least one of the maximum permissible steering wheel turning angles 108 or the steering wheel-to-steering device ratio when position information indicates that the vehicle 10 is positioned within a predefined distance from an object 202, such as a wall or shelf located adjacent to the side of the vehicle 10. The controller 103 can modify at least one of the maximum permissible steering wheel turning angles 108 or the steering wheel-to-steering device ratio regardless of whether the vehicle is being controlled manually or remotely by an operator.It is also contemplated that the controller 103 may only modify at least one of the maximum permitted steering wheel turning angle 108 or the steering wheel to steering device ratio when it is determined that an operator is not present at the operator station 20, for example, as determined by means of the detection system 250, or when an operator is remotely controlling the vehicle 10 with a remote control device 32 that is paired with the vehicle 10. The predefined distance, as mentioned above, is measured in the lateral direction LD between vehicle 10 and object 202. The predefined distance may be the same as, similar to, or different from the predetermined distance (defined so that when distance Di or D2 is less than the predetermined distance, the area corresponding to that distance Di or D2 may be an area that is not large enough to accommodate an operator or person while also maintaining a minimum clearance distance between the operator or person and boundary object 202) discussed above.For example, controller 103 can reduce the maximum allowable turning angle for steering wheel 108 from a first maximum allowable turning angle to a second maximum allowable turning angle when position information indicates that vehicle 10 is positioned within a predefined distance from the wall or shelving unit, where the second maximum allowable turning angle is less than the first maximum allowable turning angle. In Figure 4E, vehicle 10 is illustrated as being within a predefined distance from an object 202, so that the maximum allowable turning angle of the steering wheel 108 is reduced to a smaller value, thereby reducing the likelihood that the forks 16 on vehicle 10 or a load carried by the forks 16 could swing against the wall or shelving unit during a sharp turn.It is also contemplated that when vehicle 10 is within the predefined distance Dpode of an object 202, the steering wheel to steering device ratio can be changed from a larger ratio (1.5 / 1.0) to a smaller ratio (1.0 / 1.0) to make the steering of the steering wheel 108 less sensitive. In a further example, the controller 103 can modify at least one of a maximum permissible steering wheel turning angle 108 or the steering wheel-to-steering device ratio when position information, detected by means of the sensing device 300, indicates that the vehicle 10 is positioned within a predefined distance from an object 202, such as a wall ΠΠ7η ίΩ / 77Ω7 / Β / YΙΛΙ or a shelf that is located adjacent to the side of vehicle 10, and object information, also detected by means of the detection device 300, indicates that an additional object is in front of or to the side of vehicle 10, i.e., within a detection range of the detection device 300. For example, the controller 103 can reduce the maximum allowable turning angle from a first maximum allowable turning angle to a second maximum allowable turning angle when the position information indicates that vehicle 10 is positioned within the predefined distance from the wall or shelf and the object information indicates that an additional object is in front of or to the side of the vehicle, where the second maximum allowable turning angle is less than the first maximum allowable turning angle.In Figure 4E, vehicle 10 is illustrated as being within a predefined distance D of an object 202, and, in addition, an object 203, such as a box, shown as a dashed line, is located in front of vehicle 10, so that the maximum permissible turning angle of the steered wheel 108 is reduced to a smaller value, thereby reducing the probability that the forks 16 or a load carried by the forks 16 may swing against the wall or shelving during a sharp turn. It is also contemplated that when vehicle 10 is within the predefined distance D of an object 202 and an additional object 203 is detected as being in front of or to the side of vehicle 10, the steering wheel-to-steering-device ratio can be changed from a larger ratio to a smaller ratio to make the steering of the steering wheel 108 less sensitive. Figure 4F illustrates a material handling vehicle 200A comprising an order picking forklift with a mast assembly 1230. The mast assembly 1230 is part of a load handling assembly 218 coupled to and extending from a power unit 14. The load handling assembly 218 further comprises a fork carriage assembly 224 coupled to the mast assembly 1230 for movement relative to and with the mast assembly 1230. The fork carriage assembly 224 comprises a fork carriage 226 (also referred to herein as a “lift carriage”) and a pair of forks 216 coupled to the fork carriage 226. The mast assembly 1230 comprises one or more mast sections. The exemplary mast assembly 1230 illustrated in Figure 4F is a two-stage mast assembly comprising first and second mast sections or welded assemblies 1232 and 1234.The fork carriage 226 is attached to and moves relative to the second mast section or welded assembly 1134 and is raised relative to the second mast section 1234 by means of a primary lifting piston / cylinder assembly (not illustrated) mounted on the second section 1234. The second section or welded assembly 1234 moves relative to the stationary first mast section or welded assembly 1232, wherein the first mast section 1232 is mounted on the power unit 14. One or more secondary lifting hydraulic piston / cylinder assemblies (not shown) are fixed at their cylinder bases to the power unit 14 or first mast section 1232, and the pistons are fixed to the second mast section 1134.As the pistons of the secondary assemblies extend, the pistons cause the second mast section 1234, along with the fork carriage assembly 224, to move relative to the first mast section 1232. In yet another example, controller 103 can modify at least one of the following: the load handling assembly lift height (nt7?n Ln / zznz / E / YiAi), the maximum allowable steering wheel turning angle (108), or the steering wheel-to-steering device ratio when position information indicates that vehicle 10 is positioned within an aisle. The lift height of the forklift can define the lift height of the load handling assembly. For example, controller 103 can reduce the maximum lift height to which the forklift carriage (226) and forks (216) can be raised—that is, the maximum lift height of the forklift—once the sensing device (300) detects and controller 103 determines that vehicle 10 is located within an aisle.In an additional mode, controller 103 can reduce the maximum lift height to which fork carriage 226 and forks 216 can be lifted only when the detection device 300 detects and controller 103 determines that vehicle 10 is located within an aisle that has a designated or predefined aisle width (also referred to herein as “a first aisle width”) or a width equal to or less than the predefined aisle width or first aisle width. It is noted that some freezers have a low ceiling and also have very narrow aisles.Therefore, when controller 103 determines that vehicle 200A is moving through a narrow aisle with the designated aisle width or first aisle width, controller 103 will limit the height to which the fork carriage 226 and forks 216 can be raised to a lower maximum lift height to avoid contact with the ceiling. In a further example, controller 103 may reduce the maximum allowable steering angle for the steering wheel 108 from a first maximum allowable steering angle to a second maximum allowable steering angle when position information indicates that vehicle 10 is located within an aisle where the second maximum allowable steering angle is less than the first maximum allowable steering angle.Furthermore, it is contemplated that controller 103 can modify the maximum permissible steering angle of steering wheel 108 to a reduced value simultaneously with detection device 300, which first detects that vehicle 10 is located within a corridor. Controller 103 can also modify, i.e., return, the maximum permissible steering angle of steering wheel 108 to its highest value as soon as detection device 300 detects that vehicle 10 is no longer located within a corridor. It is also contemplated that when controller 103 determines that vehicle 10 is located within a corridor, the steering wheel-to-steering-device ratio can be changed from a larger ratio (1.5 / 1.0) to a smaller ratio (1.0 / 1.0) to make the steering of steering wheel 108 less sensitive. In yet another example, controller 103 can modify at least one of a load handling assembly lift height, a maximum allowable steering wheel turning angle 108, or the steering wheel-to-steering device ratio when position information indicates that vehicle 10 is positioned within an aisle, and object information, detected by sensing device 300, indicates that an additional object is in front of or to the side of vehicle 10. For example, controller 103 can reduce a maximum height to which fork carriage 226 and forks 216 can be lifted, once sensing device 300 detects and controller 103 determines that vehicle 10 is located within an aisle and an additional object is in front of or to the side of vehicle 200A.Furthermore, controller 103 can reduce the maximum permissible turning angle nt7?n Ln / zznz / E / YiAi from a first maximum permissible turning angle to a second maximum permissible turning angle when position information indicates that vehicle 10 is positioned within a corridor and object information indicates that an additional object is in front of or to the side of the vehicle, where the second maximum permissible turning angle is less than the first maximum permissible turning angle. It is also contemplated that the steering wheel-to-steering device ratio can be changed from a larger ratio to a smaller ratio when the vehicle enters a corridor and an object is detected in front of or to the side of vehicle 10 to make the steering of the steering wheel 108 less sensitive. In another example, when position information indicates that vehicle 10 is located within an aisle, controller 103 can modify the lift height of the load handling assembly by moving forklift 226 to an intermediate height. Therefore, when controller 103 determines that the vehicle has entered an aisle, it will automatically raise forklift 226 to an intermediate height so that an operator, when picking items, does not have to bend down to place the items on the forks 216, which are positioned lower, closer to the surface over which the vehicle is traveling. The intermediate height may depend on the circumstances under which vehicle 10 is being operated. For example, the intermediate height may depend on the aisle in which vehicle 10 is currently being operated and / or the operator currently operating vehicle 10.When vehicle 10 is being operated in an aisle where the items to be placed on forks 216 are large, it may be advantageous to pre-set the intermediate height to a lower position than when vehicle 10 is being operated in an aisle where the items to be placed on forks 216 are small. Similarly, when vehicle 10 is being operated by a short operator, it may be advantageous to pre-set the intermediate height to a lower position than when vehicle 10 is being operated by a tall operator. Furthermore, if the controller 103 uses position information to modify multiple vehicle parameters, the selected vehicle parameter(s) can only be modified situationally. For example, one or more vehicle parameters can be modified by controller 103 only when it is determined that an operator is not present at operator station 20, for example, as determined by the detection system 250. As another example, one or more vehicle parameters can be modified by controller 103 only when an operator is remotely controlling vehicle 10 with a remote control device 32 that is paired with vehicle 10. Now, with reference to Figure 5A, a method 330 is shown for illustrating the determination of position information for vehicle 10. In step 332, it is determined that vehicle 10 is located within an aisle 210 by means of the controller 103 using position information from the detection device 300. According to this step 332, the position information is used to determine that the distance Di from vehicle 10 to a first shelf 202A on a first side of vehicle 10, plus the distance D2 from vehicle 10 to a second shelf 202B positioned on a second side of the vehicle, ΠΠ7η ίΩ / 77Ω7 / Β / YΙΛΙ plus the width of vehicle 10 (assuming that distances Di and D2 are measured from the left and right edges of vehicle 10 to the respective shelves 202A, 202B) are equal to or are within a predefined interval to a known width of aisle 210. In step 334, vehicle 10 is determined to be located in the center of aisle 210 by controller 103 using position information from sensing device 300, when the distance Di from vehicle 10 to the first rack 202A is equal to or within a predetermined tolerance to the distance D2 from vehicle 10 to the second rack 202B. Vehicle 10 is then moved into aisle 210 in step 336, for example, by an operator using operator controls 24 or remote control device 32. At its new location in aisle 210, in step 338, controller 103 determines that vehicle 10 is located at or within a predetermined tolerance to a predefined hug distance (hug distance will be explained in more detail later) from one of the first or second racks 202A or 202B.In step 340, it is determined that the operator has left operator station 20, for example, by controller 103 using information from detection system 250. Based on the fact that vehicle 10 is at or within a predetermined tolerance to the predefined hug distance of one of the first or second racks 202A or 202B, and based on the fact that the operator has left vehicle 10, it is determined by controller 103 that vehicle 10 is in or ready to enter hug mode in step 342. Note that, although the predefined hug distance can be set so that vehicle 10 remains in the center of aisle 210 while hugging an object, this example assumes that the predefined hug distance is set so that vehicle 10 will be located closer to one of the first or second racks 202A or 202B than the other. According to another embodiment, system 8 may further include a positioning assistance system 350, as shown in Figures 5 and 6A to 6E. The positioning assistance system 350, which may be incorporated in the controller 103, provides assistance to an operator who is driving vehicle 10, such as using operator controls 24 to position vehicle 10 within a corridor 210.The positioning assistance system 350 receives information from the detection device 300 to determine the distances Di and Da of vehicle 10 to one or more boundary objects, for example, first and second shelving units 202A and 202B located on the respective left and right sides LS, RS of vehicle 10, and also to determine the heading of vehicle 10 in relation to the boundary object(s), where the heading is defined as the angle at which the forklift is oriented within aisle 210 with respect to at least one of the boundary object(s). The assistance provided by the positioning assistance system 350 may comprise at least one audible, tactile, or visual signal(s) to indicate at least one of the vehicle 10's spacing to at least one boundary object, for example, a distance, such as a lateral distance, from the vehicle 10 to a boundary object and / or a heading of the vehicle 10 with respect to the boundary object. Accordingly, the positioning assistance system 350 comprises a signaling device 352 for implementing the audible, tactile, and / or visual signals. For example, the Audible, tactile, and / or visual signals may be activated to indicate that: the vehicle is located at a distance equal to or greater than a desired distance from the boundary object; the vehicle is located on an appropriate bearing with respect to the boundary object; the vehicle is not located at a distance equal to or greater than the desired distance from the boundary object; and / or the vehicle is not located on the appropriate bearing with respect to the boundary object. Signals indicating different information may be distinguishable from one another to convey the meaning of the signal to the operator. Figures 6A to 6E depict a vehicle 10 progressively entering aisle 210 while being manually operated by an operator OP, who is shown in an exemplary position in vehicle 10 in Figures 6A to 6E. Figures 6A to 6E show exemplary positions of vehicle 10 during a particular iteration of operator OP operating vehicle 10 into aisle 210. It is understood that, in practice, an operator may take any number of different paths into an aisle, with appropriate responses from the positioning assistance system 350 based on the position of vehicle 10. In Figure 6A, the distance Di from vehicle 10 to the first shelf 202A (as mentioned previously, distances Di and D2 are measured between vehicle 10 and shelves 202A and 202B in the lateral direction LD) is less than the desired distance. In this situation, the positioning assistance system 350 can issue an initial audible, tactile, and / or visual signal to the operator OP to steer vehicle 10 away from the first shelf 202A. If the initial signal is visual, it can be displayed by the signal device 352 on the floor in front of vehicle 10 and to its right side (RS).As an example, the first 360 signal is shown in Figure 6A as an arrow pointing away from the first shelf 202A, indicating that vehicle 10 should turn right, but any suitable 360 ​​signal could be used. As another example, the first 360 signal could be displayed on a screen device (e.g., as a message or as a right-pointing arrow on the TS touchscreen shown in Figure 4C) located in vehicle 10. Note that the terms first, second, third, etc., as used herein with respect to the various signals described are not intended to be limited to their use for the stated purpose; that is, the various signals described herein for Figures 6A to 6E follow a specific exemplary progression from vehicle 10, which is driven by operator OP to aisle 210.Therefore, the action associated with the “first signal” described herein could be associated with a second, third, etc. signal in another progression of a vehicle 10 being driven by an OP operator to a corridor 210. Turning to Figure 6B, the operator OP has steered vehicle 10 away from the first rack 202A and toward the second rack 202B. In Figure 6B, vehicle 10 is no longer in a position where the distance Di from vehicle 10 to the first rack 202A is less than the desired distance, so the first signal 360 has been switched off (another signal distinguishable from the first signal 360 may be activated by the positioning assistance system 350, at least briefly or intermittently, to indicate that the distance Di from vehicle 10 to the first rack 202A is greater than or equal to the desired distance). However, in Figure 6B, vehicle 10 is not positioned on an appropriate heading with respect to the second rack 202B.A proper heading for vehicle 10 can be defined as a heading of vehicle 10 with respect to a boundary object, such as one or both racks 202A and 202B, that is within a predefined range, for example, where the longitudinal axis LA of vehicle 10 is between 0 and 10 degrees relative to a plane P defined by the edge of the respective rack 202A or 202B. In this situation, the positioning assistance system 350 can emit a second audible, tactile, and / or visual signal 362 in a second manner to direct the operator OP to steer vehicle 10 away from the second rack 202B in order to reduce the angle of vehicle 10 relative to the second rack 202B. If the second signal 362 is a visual signal, it can be displayed by means of the signal device 352 on the floor in front of vehicle 10 and to its left side LS.As an example, the second 362 signal is shown in Figure 6B as an arrow pointing away from the second rack 202B, indicating that vehicle 10 should proceed to the left, but any suitable 362 signal could be used. As another example, the second 362 signal can be displayed on the screen device (e.g., as a message or as a left-pointing arrow on the TS touchscreen). Note that in a typical aisle 210, the first and second racks 202A and 202B are generally parallel, so it can be determined whether vehicle 10 is on an appropriate or inappropriate heading with respect to either rack 202A or 202B. Turning now to Figure 6C, the operator OP has steered vehicle 10 away from the second rack 202B and towards the first rack 202A, thus changing the heading of vehicle 10. In Figure 6C, vehicle 10 is no longer in a position where the heading relative to the second rack 202B is inappropriate, so the second signal 362 has been switched off (another signal distinguishable from the second signal 362 may be activated by the positioning assistance system 350, at least briefly or intermittently, to indicate that vehicle 10 is no longer in a position where the heading relative to the second rack 202B is inappropriate). However, in Figure 6C, the distance Ü2 from vehicle 10 to the second rack 202B is less than the desired distance.In this situation, the positioning assistance system 350 can emit a third audible, tactile, and / or visual signal 364 in a third way to direct the operator OP to steer vehicle 10 away from the second rack 202B. If the third signal 364 is a visual signal, it can be displayed by the signal device 352 on the floor in front of vehicle 10 and to its left side LS. As an example, the third signal 364 is shown in Figure 6C as an arrow pointing away from the second rack 202B, indicating that vehicle 10 should be directed to the left, but any suitable signal 364 could be used. As another example, the third signal 364 can be displayed on the screen device (e.g., as a message or as a left-pointing arrow on the touchscreen TS). Now, with reference to Figure 6D, the operator OP has steered vehicle 10 away from the second shelf 202B and towards the first shelf 202A. In Figure 6D, vehicle 10 is no longer in a position where the distance D from vehicle 10 to the second shelf 202B is less than the desired distance, so the third signal 364 has been switched off (another distinguishable signal can be activated). The third signal 364 is given by the positioning assistance system 350, at least briefly or intermittently, to indicate that the distance Di of vehicle 10 to the second rack 202B is greater than or equal to the desired distance. However, in Figure 6D, vehicle 10 is not positioned on an appropriate heading with respect to the first rack 202A. In this situation, the positioning assistance system 350 can emit a fourth audible, tactile, and / or visual signal 366 in a fourth manner to direct the operator OP to steer vehicle 10 away from the first rack 202A in order to reduce the angle of vehicle 10 with respect to the first rack 202A. If the fourth signal 366 is a visual signal, it can be displayed by means of the signal device 352 on the floor in front of vehicle 10 and on the right RS side of the same.As an example, the fourth 366 signal is shown in Figure 6D as an arrow pointing away from the first shelf 202A, indicating that vehicle 10 should turn right, but any suitable 366 signal could be used. As another example, the fourth 366 signal can be displayed on the screen device (e.g., as a message or as a right-pointing arrow on the TS touchscreen). Finally, referring to Figure 6E, vehicle 10 is generally positioned in the center of aisle 210, located at a distance equal to or greater than the desired distance from both the first and second racks 202A and 202B, and is on a straight course with respect to the first and second racks 202A and 202B; that is, the longitudinal axis LA of vehicle 10 in Figure 6E is generally parallel to the planes P defined by the edges of the first and second racks 202A and 202B. In this situation, the positioning assistance system 350 can emit, at least briefly or intermittently, a fifth audible, tactile, and / or visual signal 368 to the operator OP indicating that vehicle 10 is located at a distance equal to or greater than the desired distance from the first and second racks 202A and 202B, and that vehicle 10 is oriented on the appropriate course.As an example, the fifth signal 368 is shown in Figure 6E as an arrow on the floor pointing directly toward aisle 210, but any suitable signal 368 could be used. As another example, the fifth signal 368 can be displayed on the screen device (e.g., as a message or as a cue, such as a check mark, on the TS touchscreen). As another feature, separate signals can be used to indicate that vehicle 10 is located at or beyond the desired distance from racking 202A and 202B, and that vehicle 10 is facing the correct heading. Note that the positioning assistance system 350 can provide separate audible, tactile, and / or visual signals to the operator (OP) indicating that vehicle 10 is located at or beyond the desired distance from the first and second racking shelves 202A and 202B, and that vehicle 10 is facing the correct heading. One or more of the 360, 362, 364, 366, and 368 signals may be distinguishable from one or more of the others. For example, if the 360, 362, 364, 366, and 368 signals are visual signals, they may be of different colors or shapes, have different lighting patterns (flashing, changing intensity, size), etc. Only once vehicle 10 is located in a position where distances Di and D2 are equal to or greater than the desired distance from both racks 202A, 202B, and vehicle 10 is oriented in the appropriate direction, will vehicle 10 be able to be remotely controlled by an operator using remote control device 32, i.e., vehicle 10 is not able to be remotely controlled by an operator using remote control device 32 unless device 10 is located in a position where distances Di and D2 are equal to or greater than the desired distance from both racks 202A, 202B, and vehicle 10 is oriented in the appropriate direction. As mentioned above, the positioning assistance system 350 can emit a fifth audible, tactile and / or visual signal 368 to indicate this vehicle positioning 10.When remotely controlled, the vehicle may be able to be operated in hug mode, where vehicle 10 moves down aisle 210 and hugs one of the first or second shelves 202A or 202B, where while hugging shelf 202A or 202B, vehicle 10 maintains the predefined hug distance from the shelf 202A or 202B that it is hugging. With reference to Figures 6F and 6G, an exemplary method is shown to illustrate assisting an operator in properly positioning vehicle 10 in aisle 210. Note that the sequence of steps listed below and shown in Figures 6F and 6G could be in a different order and / or these steps could be repeated based on the position of vehicle 10 as it enters aisle 210 and / or while vehicle 10 is being driven within aisle 210. In step 372, operator OP is driving vehicle 10 to aisle 210, for example, using operator controls 24 on vehicle 10. In step 374, it is determined that vehicle 10 is located within the desired distance from the first rack 202A, and a first signal 360 is issued by means of the positioning assistance system 350. In step 376, operator OP responds to the first signal 360 by steering vehicle 10 away from the first rack 202A, and once vehicle 10 is located outside the desired distance from the first rack 202A, the first signal 360 is turned off. In step 378, it is determined that vehicle 10 is not on an appropriate heading with respect to the second rack 202B, and a second signal 362 is issued by means of the positioning assistance system 350. In step 380, the operator OP responds to the second signal 362 by steering vehicle 10 relative to the boundary object, for example, by moving it away from the second rack 202B in the manner shown, and once vehicle 10 is within the range that defines the appropriate heading of vehicle 10 with respect to the second rack 202B, the second signal 362 is turned off. In step 382, ​​it is determined that vehicle 10 is located within the desired distance from the second rack 202B, and a third signal 364 is issued by means of the positioning assistance system 350. In step 384, the operator OP responds to the third signal 364 by steering vehicle 10 away from the second rack 202B, and once vehicle 10 is located outside the desired distance from the second rack 202B, the third signal 364 is turned off. After moving away from the second rack 202B, in step 386, it is determined that vehicle 10 is not positioned on an appropriate heading with respect to the first rack 202A, and a fourth signal 366 is issued by means of the positioning assistance system 350. In step 388, the operator OP responds to the fourth signal 366 by steering vehicle 10 away from the first rack 202A, and cart 500, being no wider than vehicle 10, prevents the sides of cart 500 from extending outwards past the sides of vehicle 10, to avoid contact of cart 500 with the walls or racks.The rollers 508 allow an operator to load the cart 500 with items picked up from the rear of the cart 500, so that the operator can walk behind the vehicle 10 while remotely controlling the vehicle 10 with the remote control device 32, as opposed to walking alongside the vehicle 10 where space might be limited in a narrow aisle 210. Now, with reference to Figure 9, a 600 detection system is provided to monitor a designated area, such as aisle 210 in a warehouse or other facility. The 600 detection system can be configured to prevent or discourage a second 10B material handling vehicle from entering the designated area where a first 10A material handling vehicle is already present. In this regard, the 600 detection system can be configured to provide a warning, such as an audible alert or flashing light, to warn the operator against the second 10B vehicle entering the area.Alternatively, the 600 detection system can be configured in such a way as to prevent the second 10B vehicle from moving into the designated area, for example, such as by override movement commands sent to the second 10B vehicle from the 600 detection system or from the WMS warehouse management system (the 600 detection system would be in communication with the WMS warehouse management system). The 600 detection system could be mounted near the designated area, such as on top of a rack, or on a wall or ceiling of the facility. Alternatively, the 600 detection system could be integrated into the 10A and 10B vehicles themselves. For example, the 10A and 10B vehicles could communicate their location either directly between the vehicles or through communication with the Warehouse Management System (WMS). This mode can be particularly beneficial in a facility where space is limited, such as a facility that has narrow aisles (e.g., where two vehicles would not fit side by side in the aisle), and also where the vehicles are being controlled remotely, e.g., by means of wireless remote control devices 32 such as those disclosed herein. The various features, aspects, and modalities described in this document can be used in any combination(s) with each other, or on their own. Having thus described the modalities in detail, it will be evident that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the attached claims.

Claims

1. A system comprising: a material handling vehicle comprising one or more detection devices for determining a first distance from a left side of the vehicle to a first boundary object and a second distance from a right side of the vehicle to a second boundary object and a controller coupled to said one or more detection devices;a light source device coupled to the controller, the light source device being controlled by the controller to designate a first area on the left side of the vehicle as a limited operating area or an unlimited operating area and to designate a second area on the right side of the vehicle as a limited operating area or an unlimited operating area, the limited operating area corresponding to an area where the first or second distance is less than a predetermined distance and the unlimited operating area corresponding to an area where the first or second distance is greater than or equal to the predetermined distance;Wherein, when one of the first or second distances is less than the predetermined distance, the light source device designates the corresponding first or second area as a limited operating area in a first manner that can be observed by a person in the vicinity of the vehicle, and when simultaneously the other of the first or second distance is greater than or equal to the predetermined distance, the light source device designates the corresponding first or second area as an unlimited operating area in a second manner that can be observed by a person in the vicinity of the vehicle.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the light source device designates the first or second area as a limited operating area or an unlimited operating area with one or more light sources.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein said one or more light sources illuminate at least a portion of a floor within the first area and illuminate at least a portion of the floor within the second area.

4. The system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the vehicle comprises a load handling assembly and a power unit including an operator station, and wherein said one or more light sources illuminate at least a portion of the floor between: the load handling assembly and the first boundary object, the load handling assembly and the second boundary object, the power unit and the first boundary object, and the power unit and the second boundary object.

5. The system according to any of claims 2 to 4, wherein said one or more light sources are located in the vehicle.

6. The system according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the light source device designates only the first or second area as a limited operating area or a non-limited operating area when the vehicle is located in a corridor.

7. The system according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first and / or second boundary object is a wall or storage structure.

8. The system according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the predetermined distance comprises a first predetermined distance, and where the first or second distance is greater than or equal to the first predetermined distance but less than a second predetermined distance, the light source device designates the corresponding first or second area in a third manner that can be observed by an operator, the third manner being different from the first and second ways.

9. The system according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the system further comprises a detection system that detects that an operator has left a vehicle operator station and whether the operator left the operator station from a first exit on the left side of the vehicle or from a second exit on the right side of the vehicle; wherein if the left or right side of the vehicle from which the operator left the operator station is designated as a limited operating area, the controller modifies at least one function of the vehicle.

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein said at least one modified vehicle function comprises at least one traction control, operation of a lifting carriage of a vehicle cargo handling assembly, or remote vehicle control operation.

11. A method for controlling a light source device associated with a material handling vehicle, wherein the material handling vehicle comprises one or more detection devices, the method comprising: detecting by means of one or more detection devices a first distance from a left side of the vehicle to a first boundary object and a second distance from a right side of the vehicle to a second boundary object;to control the light source device to designate a first area on the left side of the vehicle as a limited operating area or an unlimited operating area and to designate a second area on the right side of the vehicle as a limited operating area or an unlimited operating area, the limited operating area corresponding to an area where the first or second distance is less than a predetermined distance and the unlimited operating area corresponding to an area where the first or second distance is greater than or equal to the predetermined distance; to designate by means of the light source device, when one of the first or second distances is less than the predetermined distance, the corresponding first or second area as a limited operating area in a manner that can be observed by a person in the vicinity of the vehicle;and designate by means of the light source device, when simultaneously the other of the first or second distance is greater than or equal to the predetermined distance, the corresponding first or second area as an unlimited operating area in a second manner that can be observed by a person in the vicinity of the vehicle.; 12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the light source device comprises one or more light sources.

13. The method according to claim 12, further comprising illuminating by means of said one or more light sources at least a portion of the floor within the first area and illuminating at least a portion of the floor within the second area.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the vehicle further comprises a load handling assembly and a power unit including an operator station, and wherein said one or more light sources illuminate at least a portion of the floor between: the load handling assembly and the first boundary object, the load handling assembly and the second boundary object, the power unit and the first boundary object, and the power unit and the second boundary object.

15. The method according to any of claims 12 to 14, wherein said one or more light sources are located in the vehicle.

16. The method according to any of claims 11 to 15, wherein the light source device designates only the first or second area as a limited operating area or a non-limited operating area when the vehicle is located in a corridor.

17. The method according to any of claims 11 to 16, wherein the first and / or second boundary object is a wall or storage structure.

18. The method according to any of claims 11 to 17, wherein the predetermined distance comprises a first predetermined distance, and where the first or second distance is greater than or equal to the first predetermined distance but less than a second predetermined distance, the light source device designates the corresponding first or second area in a third manner that can be observed by an operator, the third manner being different from the first and second ways.

19. The method according to any of claims 11 to 18, wherein the system further comprises a detection system that detects that an operator has left a vehicle operator station and whether the operator left the operator station from a first exit on the left side of the vehicle or from a second exit on the right side of the vehicle; wherein if the left or right side of the vehicle from which the operator left the operator station is designated as a limited operating area, a controller modifies at least one function of the vehicle.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein said at least one modified vehicle function comprises at least one traction control, operation of a lifting carriage of a vehicle cargo handling assembly, or remote control operation of the vehicle.

21. The method according to claim 19, wherein said at least one function that has been modified returns to its initial state when the operator returns to the operator station.

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