FORKLIFT-TABLET INTERFACE
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- MX · MX
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- CROWN EQUIP CORP
- Filing Date
- 2023-11-17
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-12
AI Technical Summary
Existing material handling vehicles lack a flexible and efficient computing architecture that allows for easy upgrade and integration of technological components, such as tablets, which are prone to rapid technological changes, while maintaining operational reliability and security.
A distributed multiprocessor vehicle control architecture is implemented, where a tablet processor cooperates with a central processor to exchange parameters with vehicle components, using open standard communication protocols and secure docking mechanisms to facilitate easy integration and secure access, allowing the tablet to function as an auxiliary or primary processor.
This architecture enables quick modernization and enhanced processing capabilities, improves operational efficiency, and ensures cyber security by allowing easy updates and monitoring of vehicle systems, while maintaining seamless vehicle operation.
Smart Images

Figure MX435061B0
Abstract
Description
FORKLIFT-TABLET INTERFACE Background of the invention The present modalities refer in general to a material handling vehicle that has a computer-controlled interface, and in particular, to a material handling vehicle that incorporates a conventional tablet-type computer, for example, a ruggedized tablet, as an interface. Material handling vehicles are commonly used to pick products in warehouses and distribution centers. Such vehicles typically include a power unit and a load handling assembly, which may include forklifts. In a typical warehouse implementation, a management system directs the material handling vehicle operator's tasks, for example, by instructing the operator where and / or how to pick, pack, store, move, organize, process, or otherwise move items within a facility. Description of the invention According to the aspects of this disclosure, a material handling vehicle communication system comprises a vehicle network, an integrated information core, and a tablet. The vehicle network facilitates information exchange with electronic components associated with a material handling vehicle. Therefore, for example, the vehicle network can be implemented as a network that is integral to the material handling vehicle, such as a CAN bus, RS422 bus, etc. The integrated information core includes a central processor communicatively coupled to the vehicle network. In this sense, the integrated information core can be integral to the material handling vehicle. The tablet also includes a tablet processor.When the tablet is communicatively coupled to the integrated information core, the tablet processor works in cooperation with the central processor, defining a distributed multiprocessor vehicle control architecture where the central processor and the tablet processor cooperate to exchange at least one vehicle parameter between the tablet and an associated one of the vehicle's electronic components. In some modalities, when the tablet is communicatively coupled to the integrated information core, the tablet processor functions as an auxiliary processor for the central processor, defining a distributed multiprocessor vehicle control architecture where the central processor and the auxiliary processor cooperate to exchange at least one vehicle parameter between the tablet and one of the associated electronic components. According to additional aspects of this disclosure, a process is provided for modifying an operation of a material handling vehicle. The process involves receiving an electrical signal that represents an instruction to modify an operating condition of the material handling vehicle. In this regard, the instruction is received from a tablet, and the instruction is formatted in a QCMPLn / eznz / B / Yi is an open standard communication protocol. In some forms, the open standard communication protocol is open, but the information itself is obfuscated or encrypted so that it cannot be easily intercepted, understood, or otherwise misused. The process also involves converting the instruction received in the open standard communication protocol into a modification command to modify an associated electrical component of the material handling vehicle according to a parameter extracted from the instruction. Furthermore, the process involves transmitting the modification command to the electrical component of the material handling vehicle via the material handling vehicle's network. Here, the electrical component receives the modification command and transforms its operating state to cause a general modification of the material handling vehicle's operation. According to additional aspects of this disclosure, a process is provided for securing access to a material handling vehicle. The process comprises attaching a tablet to a material handling vehicle using a wired open standard communication protocol and receiving an initial device ID from the attached tablet via the same wired open standard communication protocol. The process also comprises storing the initial device ID in memory. The process further comprises receiving a second device ID via a wireless open standard communication protocol. The process may optionally include determining whether another device is already attached to the material handling vehicle via the wireless open standard communication protocol.The process also includes attaching the tablet to the material handling vehicle via the open wireless standard communication protocol if there is no other device already communicatively attached to the material handling vehicle via the open wireless standard communication protocol and the second device ID matches the first device ID. Brief description of the drawings Figure 1 is a block diagram of a material handling vehicle computing company, in accordance with aspects of this disclosure; Figure 2 is a block diagram of a special purpose processing device in a material handling vehicle, in accordance with aspects of this disclosure in this document; Figure 3A is an exemplary illustration of a tablet; Figure 3B is an illustration of the tablet in Figure 3A mounted on a material handling vehicle implemented as a forklift; Figure 4 is a block diagram of a communication and control configuration that interconnects a tablet with a material handling vehicle; Figure 5 is a block diagram of another communication and control configuration that interconnects a tablet with a material handling vehicle; Figure 6 is a flowchart that illustrates a process for communicating commands to a vehicle QCMPLn / eznz / B / Yi of material handling; Figure 7 is a flowchart that illustrates a process for modifying the operation of a material handling vehicle, in accordance with aspects of this disclosure; Figure 8 is a flowchart that illustrates a process for ensuring access to a material handling vehicle, in accordance with aspects of this disclosure; and Figure 9 is a block diagram of a computer system capable of carrying out the aspects of this disclosure. Best way to carry out the invention According to several aspects in this document, a removable, replaceable processing device (hereafter referred to as a “tablet” for convenience) is integrated with a material handling vehicle, for example, to function as if the tablet were an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) component. As used herein, the term “tablet” is intended to include a portable device, such as a tablet, general purpose tablet, rugged tablet, computer, smartphone, laptop, special purpose appliance, Internet of Things (IoT) device, special purpose computing device, information processing and / or collection device, or other device capable of communicating over the 104 network and performing one or more of the functions described herein. In practical applications, the portable device, i.e., the tablet, typically includes either a touchscreen or a non-touchscreen display. The portable device may also optionally include one or more user input controls (e.g., a set of user input controls, such as buttons, switches, encoders, or a combination thereof). In this context, the portable device may run a commercial operating system, such as Android (Android is a registered trademark of Google, Inc., a Delaware corporation), Windows (Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation, a Delaware corporation), Linux (Linux is a registered trademark of William R. Della Croce, Jr., an individual of Massachusetts), macOS (macOS is a registered trademark of Apple, Inc., a California corporation), iOS (iOS is a registered trademark of Cisco Technology, Inc., a California corporation), etc. The processing device may also run a proprietary operating system. It also includes data processing circuitry, including a processor and memory. Furthermore, the processing device includes connectivity features, such as wireless connectivity via Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi is a registered trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance, a California corporation), Bluetooth (the Bluetooth word mark and logo are registered trademarks of Bluetooth SIG, a Delaware corporation), ultra-wideband, cellular (including 5G), etc. Connectivity features may also include wired connectivity, such as via USB, serial port, etc. In some configurations, the tablet effectively replaces one or more components QCMPLn / eznz / B / Yi integrated and / or mounted on the vehicle are typically required. For example, in some embodiments, the tablet decouples the material handling vehicle hardware (e.g., traction controller, hydraulic controller, and other conventional vehicle electronics) from the technology hardware (e.g., processor chip, memory, transceiver(s), touchscreen technology, user inputs / outputs, etc.) generally required for interfacing such material handling vehicle hardware with an end user (e.g., operator, service technician, or other user). This approach effectively utilizes the tablet as a portable, replaceable device for the technology hardware portions of an electronic system that are anticipated to change with technological cycles (wireless radios, display / touchscreen, processing power, memory speed and / or memory size, etc.).), which allows for a flexible architecture that can be updated quickly and with less effort than a modernization of a fully integrated approach. In this sense, when properly coupled, the tablet integrates with the electronic components, for example, native electronic components of the material handling vehicle, original equipment manufacturer electronic components, electronic add-ons, electronic peripheral devices, other electronic components in or associated with the material handling vehicle, or combinations thereof. As a few non-limiting examples, the tablet can function as a graphical user interface, a redundant display, a dual or auxiliary display, a communication interface for exchanging information with devices remote from the material handling vehicle, a redundant or auxiliary communications device, a processing device for controlling certain functions of the material handling vehicle, combinations thereof, etc. Additionally, in some configurations, the tablet can display data generated by other electronic control components in or associated with the material handling vehicle, display data from an accessory associated with the material handling vehicle, display data received wirelessly from a remote device such as a remote server or other electronic device, calculate and display data directly and locally, or combinations thereof. This allows, for example, the vehicle's operating data to be decentralized from a standard instrument panel or dashboard, thus enabling the operator to position the vehicle data display where convenient for tasks requiring repositioning within the material handling vehicle's operator compartment. In some modalities, the tablet can send data, including commands, to electronic component(s) to control functions of the material handling vehicle, receive commands from the material handling vehicle to carry out processing on the tablet, send information to a remote device, such as a remote server or other electronic device, receive commands from a remote device to carry out processing on the tablet, or combinations thereof. Therefore, the tablet can replace some of the functionality typically reserved for an embedded system (e.g., telematics module, processing module, user input / output (I / O) module, etc.), which has limitations in functionality and development cycle. In this sense, the tablet effectively replaces many components. QCMPLn / eznz / B / Yi are required in an integrated system. However, the tablet is removable from the material handling vehicle and interchangeable with a different tablet, allowing for easy modernization and / or replacement of multiple technology systems with a simple swap. In other configurations, the tablet is relegated to non-operational critical processing, so the material handling vehicle functions normally and is fully operational without the tablet. However, when the tablet is integrated with an embedded system or other electronic components of the material handling vehicle, enhanced processing and / or operational capabilities, features, information presentation, information processing, or combinations thereof are implemented. By co-locating technological features that include hardware and software that are updated and / or need servicing in relatively quick cycles (e.g., touchscreen, processor, memory, user interaction software, etc., in the tablet) - this could be measured in cycles ranging from months to a few years - and by co-locating electronic features that are more robust but more difficult to upgrade, repair, or replace (e.g., vehicle network bus interface, vehicle configuration manager, vehicle monitoring processor, etc., which are native embedded vehicle components) - this could be measured in cycles ranging from five to ten years, up to the vehicle's lifetime, an overall improved vehicle computing architecture is provided.This enhanced vehicle computing architecture improves conventional vehicle computing systems beyond hardware upgradeability by facilitating security features that can be easily monitored, updated, and upgraded; provides what is necessary for persistent cyber vulnerability monitoring and patching; and improves efficiency and maximizes the lifespan of processing hardware by distributing tasks across a multi-processor environment, enabling task sharing, parallel processing, redundant communication, and other technological features described in more detail herein. System description Now with reference to the drawings, and particularly to Figure 1, a schematic diagram illustrates a material handling vehicle system 100 in accordance with various aspects of this disclosure. The material handling vehicle system 100 is a special-purpose (particular) computing environment that includes a plurality of processing devices equipped with hardware 102 that are interconnected by one or more networks 104. Network 104 provides communication links between the various processing devices 102 and may be compatible with network components 106 that interconnect the processing devices 102, including, for example, routers, hubs, firewalls, network interfaces, wired or wireless communication links and corresponding interconnections, cell stations, and corresponding cellular conversion technologies (for example, for conversion between cellular and Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP / IP), etc.). Furthermore, networks 104 may comprise connections that utilize one or more network configurations, examples of which are QCMPLn / eznz / B / Yi which include intranets, extranets, local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), wireless networks (Wi-Fi), the Internet, including the World Wide Web, cellular and / or other devices to enable communication between processing devices 102, etc. A processing device 102 can be implemented as a server, computer, tablet, smartphone, special purpose appliance, Internet of Things (IoT) device, special purpose computing device, a processing and / or information gathering device in a vehicle, a processing and / or information gathering device in a machine (fixed or mobile), or other device capable of communicating via network 104. In particular, a processing device 102 is provided in one or more material handling vehicles 108. In the illustrated exemplary configuration, a processing device 102 in a material handling vehicle 108 communicates wirelessly via one or more access points 110 to a corresponding network component 106, which serves as a connection to the networks 104. Alternatively, a material handling vehicle 108 may be equipped with cellular or other suitable wireless technology that enables the processing device 102 in the material handling vehicle 108 to communicate directly with a remote device (e.g., via the networks 104). System 100 also includes a processing device implemented as a server 112 (for example, a web server, file server, or other processing device) that supports a platform 114 and the corresponding data sources (collectively identified as data sources 116). Material handling vehicles 108 are typically operated in a work environment such as a warehouse, distribution center, retail establishment, etc. As such, the 114 platform provides monitoring, management, control, or combinations thereof of the material handling vehicle. In the illustrative example, data sources 116, which do not need to be colocated, assemble data that serves the benefit of a company from multiple different domains. In the illustrated example, data sources 116 include a material handling vehicle information data source 118 that collects data from the operation of material handling vehicles 108, for example, within a material handling vehicle domain. As an example, the material handling vehicle information data source 118 might store electronic vehicle records, for example, received wirelessly, from a fleet of material handling vehicles 108 via access points 110 or otherwise.In this sense, each electronic vehicle record may comprise travel-related data, operational data, maintenance data, observation data, configuration data, or other information recorded by, collected by, generated by, etc., a processing device 102 in an associated material handling vehicle 108 that is operated in the work environment. Data sources 116 may also include a management system data source 120, QCMPLn / eznz / B / Yi, for example, is a warehouse management system (WMS). The WMS links information to the movement and tracking of goods within the work environment in a WMS domain. In addition, data sources 116 may include any other data source required for the work environment, such as a work management system (LMS) 122, a geolocation system 124, etc. The above list is not exhaustive and is intended for illustrative purposes only. Material handling vehicle With reference to Figure 2, a system 200 is illustrated, which processes selected electronic components in a material handling vehicle 108 (Figure 1). As an example, a processing device 202 is illustrated, which can be installed in or natively supplied by (OEM) a material handling vehicle. The processing device 202 is an exemplary embodiment of a processing device 102 in the material handling vehicle 108 in Figure 1. Here, the processing device 202 is a special-purpose hardware device. The illustrated processing device 202 is implemented as an integrated information core 204 that can interface with a tablet 206. The integrated information core 204 and the tablet 206, when coupled together, define a distributed multiprocessor vehicle control architecture. Integrated information core The Integrated Information Core 204 is generally implemented as a native electronic embedded processing system. In some embodiments, the embedded system is permanently or semi-permanently mounted on a material handling vehicle. That is, in some embodiments, the Integrated Information Core 204 represents hardware intended to remain attached to a corresponding material handling vehicle. In this respect, the Integrated Information Core 204 can be directly integrated into the vehicle's electronic components, either alone or in combination with other electronic components. In alternative embodiments, the Integrated Information Core 204 is packaged in a housing that can be mounted on, attached to, or otherwise installed on a corresponding material handling vehicle. In an illustrative example, the integrated information core 204 can be optionally connected to, or may optionally include integrated within, a transceiver 212 for wireless communication. In practice, the transceiver 212 can implement one or more wireless communication technologies (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ultra-wideband (UWB), cellular, radio frequency (RF), infrared (IR), any other wireless technology, or combinations thereof). Furthermore, each technology can include one or more antennas, for example, for redundancy, location / position determination, reliability, or combinations thereof. For example, the transceiver 212 may be able to communicate with a remote server, e.g., server 112 in Figure 1, using 802.11 via the access points 110 in Figure 1. For example, By using a cellular transceiver that communicates with a 5G router or other form of cellular-to-Internet Protocol (IP) bridge, the QCMPLn / PZnZ / B / YI transceiver may be able to use a cellular signal to communicate directly with a remote server, e.g., a manufacturer's server. As an illustrative example, transceiver 212 may include a communication technology such as Bluetooth. This allows information core 204 to communicate with nearby Bluetooth-enabled devices. For example, the corresponding material handling vehicle may include a battery as a power source. A battery monitor 214 may be attached to the battery to measure and record battery characteristics, such as current discharge, temperature, resistance, etc., to measure and / or calculate the remaining battery charge, battery condition, battery state of charge, etc. Here, the battery monitor 214 may include a Bluetooth transceiver that pairs with transceiver 212 so that information core 204 and battery monitor 214 can exchange information. As another example, in addition to or instead of Bluetooth, the 212 transceiver may include an ultra-wideband transceiver. The ultra-wideband transceiver can be used to create temporary, local mesh networks, to facilitate communication with electronic cards for forklift and pedestrian tracking, and to communicate with ultra-wideband enabled device(s), such as anchors, tags, talking markers, etc. Here, the ultra-wideband transceiver may include multiple antennas (e.g., two or more antennas) so that the 204 information core can perform localization, position determination, distance determination, distance measurements, direction, and orientation of corresponding nearby ultra-wideband cards, etc. As yet another example, the transceiver may include a 5G radio for communication with a 5G network, which may be local (e.g., within a facility), external to the facility, etc. In one exemplary embodiment, the transceiver 212 is connected to the processing device 202 by means of a suitable electrical connection 216, for example, an Ethernet connection, USB connection, etc. However, the transceiver 212 may be integrated into the information core 204 using other connection methods, or the transceiver 212 may be omitted entirely. For example, in some embodiments, the transceiver 212 is a component of the material handling vehicle. In other embodiments, the transceiver 212 is integrated into the information core 204. In still other embodiments, the information core itself does not include a transceiver 212. Here, one or more transceivers may be integrated into or otherwise coupled to the tablet 206. In this respect, the transceiver(s) of the tablet 206 may implement any combination or functionality described with reference to the transceiver(s) 212. In still other configurations, there may be multiple transceivers or transceiver instances, for example, for different purposes, for redundancy, to support vehicle functions when a tablet is unavailable, to support different communication protocols, or combinations thereof. In this exemplary configuration, each of the integrated information core 204 and the tablet 206 may include at least one transceiver, which may implement the same or different communication protocols. The integrated information core 204 also comprises data processing circuitry, QCMPLn / eznz / B / Yi, for example, illustrated as a 218 controller. The 218 controller includes a memory-coupled processor for implementing computer instructions, including the relevant processes, or aspects thereof, as set out and described in more detail herein. The 218 controller may also include other necessary processing circuitry and software, such as for implementing a display engine, camera processing engine, data processing engine(s), etc. In addition, the 218 controller's memory can include memory that stores processing instructions, as well as memory for data storage, for example, to implement one or more databases, data stores, registers, arrays, etc. The integrated information core 204 may also include additional support circuitry 220 required to support the functionality of the controller 218. Exemplary additional circuitry 220 may include, but is not limited to, video ports, camera ports, input / output ports, interfaces (e.g., a serial universal bus interface, pogo pin interface, Bluetooth interface, network interface(s), etc.), event stacks, processing stacks, configuration data management, client management, event management, etc. The processing device 202 may also optionally include or otherwise communicate with the vehicle's power enable circuitry 222.The vehicle's power enable circuitry 222 is controlled by controller 218 to selectively enable or disable the material handling vehicle 108 and / or selectively enable or disable selected components of the material handling vehicle 108. In certain implementations, controller 218 controls the vehicle's power enable circuitry 222 to partially enable the material handling vehicle for operation, or fully enable the material handling vehicle for operation, for example, depending on the appropriate operator login or service technician login.For example, the material handling vehicle's 222 power enable circuitry can selectively power components through a suitable power connection, or otherwise command certain vehicle components that do not respond to operator control via vehicle messaging, for example, through one or more vehicle communication buses. In certain implementations, the 204 information core includes a monitoring input / output (I / O) capability to communicate via a wired or wireless connection with peripheral devices mounted on or otherwise attached to the material handling vehicle, such as cameras, sensors, lasers, meters, encoders, light bars, switches, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, etc. (collectively represented by part number 224). The 204 information core can also communicate via the wired or wireless connection with third-party 224 devices such as radio-frequency identification (RFID) scanners, displays, barcode scanners, or other devices. The information core 204, and in particular the controller 218, is coupled to and / or communicates with other system components of the material handling vehicle via a suitable material handling vehicle network 226, for example, at least one bus. The material handling vehicle network 226 QCMPLn / eznz / B / Yi Materials network is any wired or wireless network, bus (or buses), or other communication capability (or combination of multiple independent networks, buses, or other communication capabilities) that enables the electronic components of the material handling vehicle 108 to communicate with each other. As an example, the vehicle's network 226 may comprise one or more Controller Area Network (CAN) buses (or CAN buses), Zigbee (Zigbee is a registered trademark of the Connectivity Standards Alliance, a California corporation), Bluetooth, Local Interconnect Network (LIN), Time-Actuated Data Bus Protocol (TTP), RS422, Ethernet, USB, or other suitable communication strategy, or combinations thereof. For example, controller 218 can communicate with vehicle electronic components such as controllers (hydraulic, traction, etc.), modules such as a battery monitor, devices such as impact sensors, etc., location tracking systems, etc. (collectively, devices 228) by communicating over the vehicle's network 226. Other exemplary devices 228 may include displays, light bars, alarms, sensor systems, navigation systems, IoT devices, data collection devices, communication devices, user interaction devices, etc. The 218 controller of the processing device 202 can also communicate with a key fob reader 230 (or keyboard, card reader, or any other device) to receive credentials from the operator. According to other additional aspects of this disclosure, the integrated information core 204 can communicate with a location tracking device or system 232 that is provided in the material handling vehicle 108. The location tracking device or system 232 enables the material handling vehicle 108 to be spatially aware of its location within a local space, e.g., within a warehouse. The use of the vehicle's network 226 enables seamless integration of the material handling vehicle components 108 with the integrated information core 204, and in particular, the controller 218. By way of example, the controller 218 can facilitate the communication of information from any electronic peripheral device or third-party devices 224, controller(s) such as device(s) 228, key fob reader 230, location tracking device or system 232, etc., associated with the material handling vehicle 108 that is integrated with and can communicate via the network system 226.Therefore, the integrated information core 204 connects with, understands, and is able to communicate with vehicle components such as controllers, modules, devices, bus-enabled sensors, displays, lights, light bars, sound-generating devices, headphones, microphones, haptic devices, peripheral devices, etc. Tablet QCMPLn / eznz / B / Yi As mentioned above, the 206 tablet can be incorporated as any suitable portable device, such as a tablet, general purpose tablet, rugged tablet, computer, smartphone, special purpose appliance, Internet of Things (IoT) device, special purpose computing device, information processing and / or gathering device, or other device capable of communicating over the 104 network and performing one or more of the functions described herein. In practical terms, the 206 tablet includes a touchscreen, a processor, and memory. Furthermore, the 206 tablet includes connectivity features, including wireless connectivity via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ultra-wideband, cellular / 5G, etc. Connectivity features may also include wired connections such as USB, a serial port, etc., or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, because the tablet 206 is integrated with the information core 204, for example, via support circuitry 220, the tablet 206 can be independent of any other device that communicates with the information core 204. As such, the tablet 206 does not need to be aware of any network system protocol to communicate through or otherwise access the vehicle's network system 226. Although Figure 2 schematically illustrates the tablet 206 communicatively coupled to the integrated information core 204 by means of support circuitry 220 (for example, via a USB connection), in practice, the tablet 206 can communicate with the controller 218 of the integrated information core 204 via Bluetooth or other wireless technology, USB or other wired technology, a combination thereof, etc. With brief reference to Figure 3A, a tablet 306 is illustrated, which can be used to implement the tablet 206 of Figure 2. The tablet 306 includes a housing 308 having a front face 310 that defines a display section 312 and an optional vehicle operator control section 314. In exemplary embodiments, a touch display screen is provided in the display section 312 of the tablet 306. In this respect, the tablet 306 includes the appropriate technology to respond to gesture controls implemented by touching the display, pressing or releasing the display, swiping across the display, making gestures (but without touching the display), performing other gesture functions associated with the display, etc. (collectively referred to herein as gesture commands). In some embodiments, the display can respond to gesture commands that do not strictly require touching the display. Also, in some configurations, a set of controls is accommodated within the Vehicle Operator Control Section 314 of the Tablet 306. The Vehicle Operator Control Section 314 is optional, but when provided, it may include buttons, switches, sliders, encoders, knobs, voice recognition, a keypad, external controls connected to the O such as a Bluetooth or USB keyboard, other means of receiving input from the vehicle operator, combinations thereof, etc. For example, in one exemplary implementation, a set of controls, such as function keys, are co-located with the touchscreen display. User input controls interact with, or control, elements in the graphical user interface as seen on the touchscreen display, serve as input controls for applications running on the tablet, and so on. User input controls, when provided, can be programmed to function QCMPLn / eznz / B / Yi in specific ways, depending on the implementation. With reference to Figure 3B, the tablet 306 of Figure 3A is illustrated mounted on a support bar 352 of a material handling vehicle 108 implemented as a seated forklift for illustrative purposes. In practice, the tablet 306 can be mounted within, on, in, integrated with, or otherwise provided for various types of material handling vehicles, including, but not limited to, a forklift, reach truck, order picker, turret forklift, tow tractor, rider pallet truck, walkie stacker, etc. Here, the graphical user interface housing 302 can be mounted inside or outside the corresponding material handling vehicle, for example, by means of a mounting bracket, mounting bezel, frame, or other suitable structure. In this respect, the size, shape, and other physical characteristics can vary depending on the application. For example, if the housing 308 of the tablet 306 is mounted inside a material handling vehicle, for example, on a coupling, the front face 310 can be adjusted to adjacent structures, for example, an instrument / control panel, etc. Also, in some embodiments, additional support structures such as mounts, a harness, a docking station, and / or other accessories can be provided if the tablet 306 is mounted on the material handling vehicle, for example, on the support bar 352. As such, the processing device described herein can be adapted to multiple mounting options for different types and modes of material handling vehicles, including modes with or without an operator (for example, operator-controlled, semi-automated, fully automated, etc.). In some configurations, the mounting hardware attaches the 306 tablet to the material handling vehicle. In some configurations, the mounting hardware allows the tablet to be easily attached and removed, for example, using a ball joint, quick-connect fitting, snap-fit, sliding mechanism, push-button release, or other suitable structure. In some configurations, such as when the tablet serves as an outward-facing display (for example, a pedestrian / information display), the mounting hardware can be configured or repositioned to easily position the 306 tablet for optimal viewing by individuals outside the operator compartment. In still other configurations, the mounting kit includes a harness to carry the electrical connections to the tablet. These electrical connections may include power, a wired connection to the vehicle's electronic components (e.g., USB bus connection, etc.), pogo pins, or other suitable connectors. With reference generally to Figure 2, Figure 3A, and Figure 3B, the tablet 206, 306 can be mounted on and / or removed from the material handling vehicle 108 regardless of whether the tablet 206, 306 is communicatively coupled to the material handling vehicle (e.g., to the integrated information core 204). Likewise, the tablet 206, 306 can be communicatively coupled to or decoupled from the material handling vehicle (e.g., to / from the integrated information core 204) regardless of whether the tablet 206, 306 is mounted on and / or removed from the material handling vehicle 108. Furthermore, regardless of whether it is mounted or removed, the tablet QCMPLn / eznz / B / Yi 206, 306 can be communicatively coupled to the integrated information core 204 via a wired connection, a wireless connection (and in some modes, both wired and wireless connections). For example, the tablet 206, 306 can be attached to the material handling vehicle, for example, for loading, but it may not be paired or otherwise communicatively coupled to the integrated information core 204. As another example, the tablet 206, 306 can run one or more applications, such as an information display, pedestrian warning display, beacon, WMS interface, communication interface, web browser, etc., which are independent of the vehicle's functionality and therefore do not require a connection to the information core 204. Similarly, the tablet 206, 306 can be communicatively coupled or decoupled from the material handling vehicle regardless of whether the tablet 206, 306 is mounted on the material handling vehicle 108. For example, as will be described in more detail in this document, the tablet 206, 306 can be communicatively coupled to the integrated information core 204 of the material handling vehicle by means of a wired or wireless connection.An operator can detach the tablet 206, 306 (if it was previously mounted) and use it, for example, wirelessly coupled to the integrated information core 204 in cooperation with the integrated information core 204, to complete a pre-use inspection checklist, take a picture of something of interest, scan product information, remotely control a forklift feature such as the vehicle locking function or automation function, provide a remote display of forklift information, etc. In this case, the tablet 206, 306 maintains its communicative connection to the integrated information system regardless of whether the tablet 206, 306 is attached or not. As another example, the 206 / 306 tablet can display current vehicle operating states, for instance, by means of a graphical add-on or add-ons. For example, the add-ons can display speed, battery charge, fork height, load weight, time, date, shift, vehicle performance setting, combinations thereof, etc., where the displayed data is discovered from or otherwise received from the 204 integrated information core. Furthermore, the 206 / 306 tablet can display vehicle data based on information extracted from controllers in the vehicle, such as hour meters, task-based progress meters, etc., where such data is obtained or otherwise discovered through communication with the 204 integrated information core. Further examples are discussed in greater detail later in this document. Example 1 of the forklift / tablet interface With reference to Figure 4, a block diagram illustrates an exemplary forklift / tablet 400 interface. Similar components are illustrated with part numbers 100 times higher than in Figure 3, 200 times higher than in Figure 2, 300 times higher than in Figure 1, and so on. Therefore, the discussion of the previous figures is applied by analogy to Figure 4 for similar / analogous components. The 400 interface includes components that collectively implement a device of QCMPLn / eznz / B / Yi processing 402. According to aspects of this disclosure, the processing device 402 is implemented as an integrated information core 404 and a tablet 406, which together define a distributed multiprocessor vehicle control architecture. In this respect, the processing device 402 can implement the processing device 202 of Figure 2. As such, similar elements are illustrated with similar reference numbers above 200. Similarly, the processing device 402, analogous to the processing device 202, is an exemplary embodiment of a processing device 102 in the material handling vehicle 108 in Figure 1. As illustrated, the integrated information core 404 includes an information controller 416. The information controller 416 includes a central processor 418 and memory necessary to carry out the capabilities described in more detail herein. Analogous to that described with reference to Figure 2, the integrated information core 404 communicates with vehicle components via a material handling vehicle network 426. For the sake of simplicity in this document, the material handling vehicle network 426 is illustrated as including one or more CAN buses, an RS422 bus, and an Ethernet bus that couple the information controller of the integrated information core 404 to electronic modules, such as controllers, modules, sensors, encoders, etc., including a vehicle control module (VCM), a traction control module (TCM), a hydraulic control module (HCM), a steering control module (SCM), impact sensors, and so on. However, in practice, any vehicle network or combination of vehicle networks can be implemented, in any combination. As illustrated, the information controller memory 416 includes memory 440 that stores various data components used by the system. Exemplary data include customer data 442 (for example, customer data from the material handling vehicle manufacturer's software (MFR SW Customer)), forklift configuration data 444, and event data 446. Customer data 442 stores data that is, for example, unique to the particular case of the main component (e.g., integrated information core 404), and allows the main component (integrated information core 404) to uniquely identify itself within the fleet. The 444 forklift configuration data stores, for example, information that is specific to the associated material handling vehicle, including model, serial number, components, software versions, performance tuning parameters, customization parameters, etc. Event data 446 includes, for example, data collected by the system as the material handling vehicle is operated. This can include event codes, error codes, and other messages communicated through the vehicle's network 426, data collected by the processor 418 as the material handling vehicle is operated, etc. For example, event data 446 QCMPLn / eznz / B / Yi can record encounters with geo-features, operator login information, checklist compliance information, and other information generated as a function of usage. A data synchronization manager 450 can be implemented, for example, by means of a process performed by the information controller 416 processor 418, and is responsible for synchronizing the exchange of information between the material handling vehicle and external devices, for example, the tablet 406, remote server, wireless remote device(s), etc. A multiple communication protocol module 452 is a process performed by the information controller 416's processor 418 and is responsible for managing the main module's physical communication ports, including, for example, USB, Bluetooth, ultra-wideband, cellular, video ports, input / output (I / O) ports, combinations thereof, etc., by implementing a communication protocol. The tablet 406 interfaces with the embedded information core 404 and with the material handling vehicle operator. In this regard, the tablet 406 includes a memory-coupled tablet processor 458 and a data synchronization manager 460 that works with the data synchronization manager 450 of the embedded information core 404. The 406 tablet also includes a 462 multi-communication protocol module that is configured to interface with the 452 multi-communication protocol module of the 404 integrated information core. For example, the illustrated 406 tablet attaches to the 404 integrated information core by means of any combination of USB, Bluetooth, or pogo pins and a corresponding pin adapter, etc. The 406 tablet also includes other functional components, including, for example, program code that handles the screen in 464, program code that handles menus in 466, program code that handles language preferences in 468, audio / video / image asset management in 470, or combinations thereof. The 406 tablet also includes one or more 472 transceivers and corresponding batteries, hardware, and software. For example, the illustrated 406 tablet includes a Wi-Fi transceiver and a Bluetooth transceiver. The 406 tablet may also include a cellular transceiver, an ultra-wideband transceiver, an RF transceiver (e.g., for communicating with RFID or near-field communication (NFC) devices), etc. In practical applications, any or more transceivers may be provided in any combination. However, for illustrative purposes, the Wi-Fi transceiver is capable of communicating wirelessly with remote servers, for example, via Wi-Fi, the Internet, a Wi-Fi-to-cellular gateway, etc. For example, the Wi-Fi transceiver can communicate with the remote server 112 (Figure 1).The 472 transceivers may also include a Bluetooth transceiver capable of pairing with nearby Bluetooth devices. The 406 tablet may also include a cellular transceiver. The cellular transceiver can communicate with one or more cellular networks (e.g., via 5G networks, routers, etc.), a cellular-to-Wi-Fi gateway, etc. The Bluetooth transceiver, Wi-Fi transceiver, cellular transceiver, or combinations thereof (or any other suitable transceiver technology or combinations thereof) can be used to interface with download tools, service tools, or other devices. QCMPLn / eznz / B / Yi systems to provide inputs to tablet 406. The transceiver(s) are used to enable the 406 tablet to communicate with applications external to the associated material handling vehicle. For example, the tablet can communicate with a manufacturer's cloud storage system / server (e.g., to store data collected from the forklift and perform manufacturer / forklift-specific interactions). The 406 tablet can also interact with a download tool, such as one provided by the material handling vehicle manufacturer, to download software updates, firmware updates, receive updated parameters, programming, etc. As yet another example, the 406 tablet can interact with service tools to record service requirements, transmit error codes or faults, facilitate service / maintenance checklists, and so on. In some configurations, the integrated information core 404 may also include one or more transceivers 472 and corresponding stacks, hardware, and software. For example, the integrated information core 404 may include a Wi-Fi transceiver, a Bluetooth transceiver, a cellular transceiver, an ultra-wideband transceiver, an RF transceiver (e.g., for communicating with RFID or NFC devices), and so on. In practical applications, any or more transceivers may be provided in any combination, as described in more detail herein. Notably, in the illustrated example interface, the information controller 416 includes a central processor 418 that is independent of the tablet processor 458. Similarly, the information controller 416 includes memory that is independent of the tablet's memory. As such, the information controller 416 can function as an information manager. However, the tablet processor 458 can exchange information stored in the tablet's memory with the central processor 418, and the central processor 418 can exchange information stored in the integrated information core, for example, memory 440, with the tablet processor 458. This exchange can occur through input, extraction, querying, or other interactions. Example 2 of the forklift / tablet interface With reference to Figure 5, a block diagram illustrating an exemplary forklift / tablet interface 500. Similar components are illustrated with part numbers 100 times higher than in Figure 4, 200 times higher than in Figure 3, 300 times higher than in Figure 2, and so on. Therefore, the discussion of the preceding figures is adopted by analogy to Figure 5 for similar / analogous components. As illustrated, the interface 500 includes components that collectively define a processing device 502. In this respect, the processing device 502 is analogous to the processing device 202 and is therefore an exemplary modality of a processing device 102 in the material handling vehicle 108 in Figure 1. According to aspects of this disclosure, the processing device 502 is implemented as an integrated information core 504 and a tablet 506, which are coupled together QCMPLn / eznz / B / Yi to create a distributed multiprocessor vehicle control architecture. In this regard, processing device 502 can implement processing device 202 of Figure 2. As such, similar elements are illustrated with similar reference numbers higher by 300. In addition, many functions and features of Figure 5 are present in interface 400 of Figure 4. As such, similar references are illustrated with similar reference numbers higher by 100. When a function similar to the aspects described is implemented with reference to Figure 4, the disclosure applies by analogy, such that only differences with respect to Figure 5 will be described in detail. As illustrated, unlike Figure 4, the integrated information core 504 is logically implemented as two components, including an interface component 504A and a management component 504B. Logically, the interface component 504A and the management component 504B comprise the features of the integrated information core 404 (Figure 4). However, the management component 504B includes an additional transceiver 512 for wireless communication, for example, via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ultra-wideband, a combination thereof, etc. As illustrated, the integrated information core 504 includes an information controller 516. The information controller 516 includes the processing and memory necessary to perform the capabilities described in more detail herein. For example, the information controller 516 includes a central processor 518 and memory 540 that stores various data components used by the system. Exemplary data include customer data 542 (for example, customer data from the material handling vehicle manufacturer's software (MFR SW Customer)), forklift configuration data 544, and event data 546. A data synchronization manager 550 can be implemented, for example, by means of a process performed by the processor 518 of the integrated information core 504 (for example, the interface component 504A and / or the management component 504B), and is responsible for synchronizing the exchange of information between the material handling vehicle and external devices, for example, the tablet 506, remote server, wireless remote device(s), etc. A multiple communication protocol module 552 is executed by the integrated Information Core 504 (e.g., the interface component 504A and / or the management component 504B), and is responsible for managing the main module's physical communication ports, which include, for example, USB, Bluetooth, ultra-wideband, cellular / 5G, video ports, input / output (I / O) ports, etc. In a manner analogous to that described with reference to Figure 2, the integrated Information Core 504 (e.g., the interface component 504A and / or the management component 504B) communicates with the vehicle components via a material handling vehicle network 526.For the sake of a simplified explanation in this document, the material handling vehicle 526 network is illustrated as including one or more of the CAN bus (or buses), an RS422 bus, and an Ethernet bus that couple the integrated information core 504 to various controllers, modules, and devices, such as a vehicle control module (VCM), a traction control module (TCM), a hydraulic control module (HCM), a steering control module (SCM); impact sensors, etc. QCMPLn / eznz / B / Yi However, in practice, any vehicle network or combination of vehicle networks can be implemented, in any combination. The tablet 506 forms an interface with the integrated information core 504 (e.g., the interface component 504A and / or the management component 504B) and with the material handling vehicle operator. In this respect, the tablet 506 includes a memory-coupled tablet processor 558. The tablet 506 also includes a data synchronization manager 560 that works with the main module's data synchronization manager 550. The 506 tablet also includes a 562 multi-communication protocol module configured to interface with the 552 multi-communication protocol module of the integrated information core 504 (e.g., the interface component 504A and / or the management component 504B). For example, the illustrated 506 tablet connects to the main component 504 via any combination of USB, Bluetooth, or pogo pins and a corresponding pin adapter, etc. The 506 tablet also includes other functional components, including program code that handles the display in 564, program code that handles menus in 566, program code that handles language preferences in 568, and audio / video / image asset management in 570. The integrated information core 504 (e.g., interface component 504A and / or management component 504B as illustrated) and / or tablet 506 may include one or more transceivers 512, 572, and corresponding batteries, hardware, and software. For example, each of the illustrated management component 504B and tablet 506 includes a Wi-Fi transceiver and a Bluetooth transceiver. The management component 504B and tablet 506 may also include a cellular transceiver, an ultra-wideband transceiver, an RF transceiver (e.g., for communicating with RFID or NFC devices), etc. In practical applications, any or more transceivers may be provided in any combination. However, for illustrative purposes, the Wi-Fi transceiver is capable of communicating wirelessly with remote servers, for example, via Wi-Fi and the Internet, a Wi-Fi-to-cellular gateway, etc.For example, the Wi-Fi transceiver can communicate with the remote server 112 (Figure 1). The 572 transceivers can also include a Bluetooth transceiver capable of pairing with nearby Bluetooth devices. The 506 tablet can also include a cellular transceiver. The cellular transceiver can communicate with one or more cellular networks (e.g., via 5G networks, routers, etc.), a cellular-to-Wi-Fi gateway, etc. The Bluetooth transceiver, Wi-Fi transceiver, cellular transceiver, combinations thereof (or any other suitable transceiver technology or combinations thereof) can be used to interface with download tools, service tools, or other devices and / or systems to provide input to the 504B management component and / or the 506 tablet. In practical applications, the 504B management component and the 506 tablet do not need to include the same types of transceivers. Furthermore, in some configurations, the 504A interface component may include one or more transceivers, for example, in addition to or instead of the transceivers in the 504B management component. Similarly, the 504A interface component of the integrated information core 504 also QCMPLn / eznz / B / Yi may include one or more transceivers and corresponding batteries, hardware and software, analogous to those described above. As illustrated in Figure 5, the 504B management component can communicate wirelessly with remote servers, for example, via Wi-Fi, the internet, a cellular-to-Wi-Fi gateway, etc. For instance, the Wi-Fi transceiver can communicate with the remote server 112 (Figure 1). The transceivers can be used to interact with cloud / manufacturer databases, download tools, service tools, or other devices and / or systems similar to those described in more detail herein. Communication with the manufacturer's cloud, download tools, service tools, etc., can provide input to the integrated information core 504 (for example, the 504A interface component and / or the 504B management component). Analogous to the configuration in Figure 4, the information controller 516 includes a central processor 518 that is independent of the tablet processor 558. Similarly, the information controller 516 includes memory that is independent of the tablet memory. However, the tablet processor 558 can exchange information stored in the tablet memory with the central processor 518, and the central processor 518 can exchange information stored in the integrated memory 540 with the tablet processor 558. This exchange can occur through insertion, extraction, querying, or other interactions. Distributed processor system With reference generally to Figure 1 through Figure 5, a material handling vehicle communication system is provided, including a distributed multiprocessor vehicle control architecture, in accordance with aspects of this disclosure. According to aspects of this disclosure, a material handling vehicle (e.g., 108, Figure 1) includes a material handling vehicle communication system. More specifically, the material handling vehicle communication system comprises a vehicle network (e.g., 226, Figure 2; 426, Figure 4; 526, Figure 5) that facilitates information exchange with electronic components of the vehicle. The material handling vehicle communication system also comprises an integrated information hub and a tablet. The integrated information core (e.g., integrated information core 204, Figure 2; integrated information core 404, Figure 4; integrated information core 504 implemented as an interface component 504A and a management component 504B, Figure 5) includes a central processor communicatively coupled to the vehicle network. The tablet (e.g., tablet 206, figure 2; tablet 406, figure 4; tablet 506, figure 5) has a tablet processor. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the tablet is programmably configured to communicatively couple to, and decouple from, the integrated information core. Additionally, in some embodiments, the tablet can be mounted on, and detached from, the material handling vehicle independently of its communicative coupling to the information core. Integrated QCMPLn / eznz / B / Yi. Furthermore, in some modes, the communicative coupling can be via a wired connection, a wireless connection, or both. When the tablet is communicatively coupled to the integrated information core, the tablet processor works in cooperation with the central processor (for example, the tablet processor can function as an auxiliary processor for the central processor), defining a distributed multiprocessor vehicle control architecture where the central processor and the tablet processor cooperate to exchange at least one vehicle parameter between the tablet and an associated one of the vehicle's electronic components. In some configurations, when the tablet is detached from the distributed multiprocessor vehicle control architecture, the information controller's central processor functions as a main processor (at least for the vehicle's functionality). This central processor communicates with and controls at least one electronic component of the vehicle via the vehicle's network. For example, as best illustrated in Figures 2, 4, and 5, the information controller connects directly to the vehicle's network and includes its own processor and memory. As such, the central processor is capable of operating autonomously and independently of the tablet's presence. In other words, in some configurations, the tablet is not required for the normal operation of the material handling vehicle because the central processor can handle all the necessary vehicle functions. Furthermore, the embedded controller can communicate with the tablet to exchange information. In this respect, the central processor can have a range of tasks that remain fixed regardless of whether the tablet is communicatively connected to it. As another example, the central processor can expand its processing responsibilities when a tablet is not communicatively connected. In some configurations, when the tablet is communicatively coupled to the information controller, the tablet processor functions as the primary processor, and the central processor functions as a subordinate processor. The subordinate processor receives commands from the primary processor and transmits these commands directly to the vehicle's network to control at least one of the vehicle's electronic components. Similarly, the subordinate processor can pass information to the primary processor for processing, display, and manipulation. In some configurations, when the tablet is communicatively coupled to the information controller, the tablet processor functions as a subordinate processor, and the central processor functions as the primary processor. The subordinate processor receives commands from the primary processor and transmits those commands directly to the vehicle's network to control at least one of the vehicle's electronic components. Similarly, the subordinate processor can pass information to the primary processor for processing, display, and manipulation. In still other configurations, a distributed multiprocessor vehicle control architecture is configured such that one set of tasks is assigned to the central processor, and another set of tasks is assigned to the tablet processor. As such, the central processor continues to perform the QCMPLn / eznz / B / Yi assigns tasks regardless of whether the tablet is communicatively docked or not. In some modes, tasks are dynamically adjusted based on the tablet's state. For example, when a tablet is mounted on the material handling vehicle and communicatively docked to the integrated information core, the tablet can function as an instrument panel, displaying information about the vehicle's current operating status, such as travel speed, travel direction, fork height, load weight, etc. When the tablet is detached (but still communicatively docked), the tablet's task can automatically change to a checklist, and so on. The above examples are not exhaustive. As an example, as illustrated in Figure 4, the tablet 406 can receive configuration information from a remote server via a network connection, such as Wi-Fi. More specifically, as best illustrated in the example shown in Figure 4, the tablet includes a transceiver for wireless communication, for example, with a remote server (such as the remote server 112 coupled to the material handling vehicle information data source 118, Figure 1). The tablet receives information from the remote server corresponding to an instruction to modify the operation of the material handling vehicle. In response to receiving the information from the remote server, the tablet processor communicates the information to the central processor. For example, the tablet 406 then communicates, via the multiple communication protocol module 462, to the multiple communication protocol module 452 of the integrated controller.In this example, the tablet processor communicates with the central processor via at least one Bluetooth and one serial universal bus. Therefore, the system described herein can perform over-the-air updates, etc. Additionally, updates can be implemented via a local connection, such as USB download, flash drive, PC, or USB-to-CAN PC. The integrated information core processor includes corresponding program code that is read and processed by the central processor to cause the central processor to communicate configuration data received from the tablet 406 to the appropriate vehicle component. This communication might involve, for example, communicating an updated reference point, configuration, setting, parameter, etc., via the vehicle's network 426. For instance, as detailed in this document, the integrated information core includes a data synchronization manager that manages synchronization data collected from the material handling vehicle by exchanging information with the tablet. The central processor can use the data synchronization manager to facilitate modifications to the material handling vehicle's operation.For example, the central processor makes the modification by communicating through the vehicle network to modify the operation of the material handling vehicle. In some configurations, the tablet can transmit configuration information and other commands—for example, to modify reference points, request data for recording, configure vehicle performance, update software, etc.—to the central processor via the multi-communication protocol module, so that the central processor ultimately executes the tablet's commands. Additionally, the tablet can display add-ons and other vehicle information. QCMPLn / eznz / B / Yi material handling system, where the necessary information is extracted from vehicle components via the vehicle network by means of the central processor. The central processor processes the collected information and passes it to the tablet for display, for example, on a graphical interface screen, such as through the use of plugins. In an alternative example, for instance, with reference to Figure 5, the integrated information core may comprise a transceiver for wireless communication with a remote server (for example, see management component 504B, which can communicate via wireless technology such as Wi-Fi with a remote server such as server 112, Figure 1). The integrated information core receives information from the remote server corresponding to an instruction to modify the operation of the material handling vehicle, and the central processor carries out the modification by communicating via the vehicle's network to alter the material handling vehicle's operation. Here, the central processor sends a message to the tablet processor to modify the tablet display (for example, to modify the content displayed on the tablet screen, such as an icon, plugin, value, symbol, or any other information displayed on the tablet) based on the material handling vehicle's modification. For example, data regarding the update can be stored by the data synchronization manager 550. The communication protocol module 552 handles communication with the tablet's communication protocol module 562. The tablet processor can then extract the information and use it to update the relevant plugin, such as a speed plugin, lift plugin, task plugin, timer plugin, etc.For example, if the modification is to set a maximum speed, a message can be provided designating it and / or a speed plugin can be modified to reflect the maximum speed, etc. Generally, with reference to the figures, in some configurations, the tablet can act as a control, intermediary, display, or a combination thereof, to interact with the integrated information core, or with other devices, control modules, peripherals, etc., associated with the material handling vehicle. For example, the tablet can be paired with, connected to, or otherwise communicate directly with a battery monitor, impact sensor, or other device on the material handling vehicle that can communicate with the tablet. In some configurations, the tablet runs a "controller application" that manages which applications can be installed. This allows a manufacturer to review and approve applications for installation while fully enabling the tablet's flexibility and capabilities. For example, third-party applications approved by a source (such as the manufacturer) can still be installed and run on the tablet. Distributed location information A tablet may include a global positioning system. However, it is likely that a QCMPLn / eznz / B / Yi material handling vehicles use a different position tracking system to address the problem of indoor operation. However, in certain modalities, the tablet's global positioning system (GPS) can be used, modified, enhanced, reconciled, or otherwise combined with the material handling vehicle's location tracking system. This allows for leveraging different types of position / location information for different applications. Exemplary information exchange With reference to Figure 6, process 600 is provided for modifying the operation of a material handling vehicle. Process 600 comprises receiving, at 602, an electrical signal representing an instruction to modify an operating condition of the material handling vehicle. Here, the instruction can be received, for example, from a tablet that is removably mounted on the material handling vehicle. Furthermore, the instruction is formatted in an open standard communication protocol. Process 600 also comprises converting, at 604, the instruction received in the open standard communication protocol into a modification command to modify an associated electrical component of the material handling vehicle according to the parameter extracted from the instruction.Process 600 also involves transmitting the modification command to the electrical component of the material handling vehicle via the vehicle's network. The electrical component receives the modification command and changes its operating state to trigger a general modification of the material handling vehicle's operation. As detailed in this document, in some configurations, the tablet is designed to connect and disconnect from the material handling vehicle. Also, in some configurations, the tablet can be mounted on the material handling vehicle independently of the connection to the vehicle. In some modalities, receiving in 602, an electrical signal that represents an instruction to modify an operating condition of the material handling vehicle includes receiving the electrical signal by means of a processor integrated in the material handling vehicle, the processor communicatively coupled to the material handling vehicle network for communication with electronic modules in the material handling vehicle. Also, in some modalities, receiving in 602, an electrical signal that represents an instruction to modify an operating condition of the material handling vehicle, where the instruction is received from a tablet that is removably mounted on the material handling vehicle, comprises receiving the electrical signal from the tablet while the tablet is detached from the material handling vehicle and connected to the material handling vehicle by means of a wireless connection. QCMÓLn / PZnZ / B / YI In addition, in some modes, receiving on 602, an electrical signal that represents an instruction to modify an operating condition of the material handling vehicle may also include receiving the instruction generated by an application running on the tablet in response to a user interacting with a graphical user interface on a tablet touchscreen. In some modalities, converting the instruction received in the open standard communication protocol to a modification command to modify an associated electrical component of the material handling vehicle according to a parameter extracted from the instruction may involve formatting the instruction in the open standard communication protocol as a packet having a header and payload, where the payload contains the modification command, and the packet is wrapped with encryption. In addition, in some modalities, process 600 may also include determining whether the tablet is communicatively coupled to the material handling vehicle, determining whether the tablet can handle a processing task associated with the material handling vehicle, sending data associated with the material handling vehicle's processing task to the tablet, receiving a modification parameter from the tablet based on the tablet running an application, and modifying the material handling vehicle according to the modification parameter received from the tablet. Also, in some modalities, the 600 process may further comprise determining whether the removable tablet is communicatively coupled to the material handling vehicle by means of a wired open standard communication protocol, a wireless open standard communication protocol, or both a wired open standard communication protocol and a wireless open standard communication protocol, and prioritizing the wired open standard communication protocol over the wireless open standard communication protocol where both the wired open standard communication protocol and the wireless open standard communication protocol are used and the wired open standard communication protocol is detected as active.In some implementations, determining whether the removable tablet is communicatively coupled to the material handling vehicle via a wired open standard communication protocol may involve detecting the presence of a wired Universal Serial Bus (USB) connection and determining that the USB connection is active by detecting an acknowledgment signal from the removable tablet through the USB connection. Additionally, the 600 process may also involve prioritizing the wireless open standard communication protocol over the wired open standard communication protocol when the latter is detected as inactive. In some modalities, the 600 process may further comprise completing a communication sequence between the removable tablet and the material handling vehicle by using the wired open standard communication protocol to initiate the communication sequence, detecting that the wired open standard communication protocol has been deactivated, and switching to the wireless open standard communication protocol without interruption in the communication sequence. In some other embodiments, the 600 process may further comprise completing a communication sequence between the removable tablet and the material handling vehicle by using the open wireless standard communication protocol to initiate the communication sequence, detecting that the open wireless standard communication protocol has been deactivated, and switching to the protocol of QCMPLn / eznz / B / Yi standard open wired communication without interruption in the communication sequence. With reference to Figures 1 through 6, in one exemplary configuration, the electrical signal representing an instruction to modify an operating condition of the material handling vehicle is received by means of a processor integrated into the material handling vehicle (e.g., the processor in information controller 218 of information core 204, Figure 2; the central processor in information controller 416, Figure 4; the central processor in information controller 516, for example, via interface component 504A and / or management component 504B of the integrated information core, Figure 5, etc.). Regardless of the configuration, the processor is communicatively coupled to the material handling vehicle network for communication with electronic modules in the material handling vehicle (see, for example, vehicle network 226, Figure 2, vehicle network 426, Figure 4, vehicle network 526, Figure 5, etc.).Therefore, a network connection facilitates the ability to communicate with the modification command. As detailed in this document, some configurations distinguish when a tablet is communicatively coupled (e.g., connected / paired) with the integrated controller. This allows, for example, the tablet processor to perform a supervisory role when connected / paired, while the central processor operates in a subordinate role. Alternatively, the tablet processor can operate in an auxiliary role to support the central processor's primary role. This also allows the tablet to communicatively decouple (e.g., unpair) from the integrated information controller, thereby freeing the tablet to perform other functions without affecting the operation of the material handling vehicle. Regardless of the electrical connection status, the tablet can be coupled to and / or detached from the material handling vehicle via a physical connection. Pairing / interconnecting the tablet processor with the central processor is discussed in more detail in this document. However, as an introduction, the aspects covered in this document enable the tablet to operate in modes that include: Paired and coupled In a paired and docked configuration, the tablet is physically mounted on the material handling vehicle, electrically connected to the material handling vehicle, and paired with the central processor. Unpaired and coupled In both unpaired and docked configurations, the tablet is physically mounted on the material handling vehicle and can be electrically connected to receive power / charging. However, the tablet is not in communication with the integrated central processor. Therefore, the tablet can be electrically disconnected from the material handling vehicle, and not paired with the central processor. QCMPLn / eznz / B / Yi Paired and uncoupled In a paired and unpaired configuration, the tablet is communicatively coupled to the material handling vehicle's central processor and is capable of communicating with the central processor via a wired or wireless connection. However, the tablet is not physically mounted on the material handling vehicle. QCMPLn / eznz / B / Yi Unpaired and uncoupled In an unpaired and decoupled configuration, the tablet is not communicatively coupled to the material handling vehicle's central processor and is therefore unable to communicate with the central processor via a wired or wireless connection. Furthermore, the tablet is not physically mounted on the material handling vehicle. However, the tablet can still be used, for example, by an operator to display information from a warehouse management system, to facilitate operational communication (e.g., via messaging), to capture photos or video of the surrounding operating conditions, and so on. As a few illustrative examples, the tablet can include software specific to material handling vehicles, such as a particular type, model, or class of vehicle. In this case, the tablet can implement a graphical user interface (GUI) that displays, on its touchscreen, one or more plugins, gauges, indicators, operator scores, warnings, instructions, messages, instrument panel information, and so on, based on interaction with the material handling vehicle, a remote server, or a combination thereof. For instance, suppose the material handling vehicle has a load-handling feature such as forks that can raise and lower. Here, the tablet's GUI could display a plugin or program such as a shelf height selection plugin.The vehicle operator can interact with the shelf height selection add-on, for example, by touching the touchscreen, to select a height for raising the forks. In this example, the central processor in the material handling vehicle receives an instruction generated by an application (e.g., shelf height selection add-on) running on the tablet in response to the vehicle operator interacting with a graphical user interface on the removable tablet's touchscreen. Notably, in this example, the application can be programmed to selectively enable or disable operator interaction. For example, in some applications, it might be acceptable to enable the use of the shelf height selection control even if the removable tablet is undocked. For instance, a vehicle operator might get out of the material handling vehicle to check an observation point, shelf location, etc. Therefore, in this example, as long as the removable tablet is paired (communicatively docked), it doesn't matter whether the tablet is docked or undocked. In other examples, it might be desirable to require the tablet to be docked, for example, and therefore inside the operator compartment of the material handling vehicle, and paired with the central processor. Therefore, the removable tablet virtualizes the shelf height selection function so that the vehicle operator is not restricted to a single physical position, as would be required if the operator were using a wired / integrated interface. That is, the tablet includes a software application, for example, implemented as a plugin, that simulates a hardware control physically present on the material handling vehicle. An electrical signal is received from the tablet in response to the tablet running a software application that virtualizes a control of a material handling vehicle feature, and the modification command transforms the virtualized control into a corresponding physical control on the material handling vehicle.Other examples may include using the removable tablet to virtualize a mix control, a speed control, a load weight control, a timer or other workflow / job function add-on, an add-on to control a horn or control the lights of the material handling vehicle, etc. Therefore, receiving an electrical signal that represents an instruction to modify an operating condition of the material handling vehicle may include receiving the instruction generated by an application running on the tablet in response to a user interacting with a graphical user interface on a tablet touchscreen. In practical applications, the instruction communicated to the central processor can be generated by an application running internally on the tablet, for example, by computation, user input, etc., or the instruction can be generated in response to the tablet wirelessly communicating with a remote device, for example, another nearby material handling vehicle, a remote server, a remote electronic card or scoreboard, a smartphone, another tablet, a laptop computer, etc. As another example, the operator may be required to complete a pre-use inspection checklist. Normally, this requires the operator to be at the screen's location. However, in this disclosure, because the communication connection is independent of the physical connection, the operator can detach the tablet from the material handling vehicle and walk around the vehicle with the tablet in hand, completing the checklist at the inspection point. Furthermore, because the tablet can virtualize outputs (e.g., plugins, indicators, camera feeds, instrument panel icons, checklist displays, etc.) and optionally virtualize vehicle controls (e.g., one or more inputs such as steering wheel, acceleration, braking, mixing, hydraulics, forks, load handling, or combinations thereof), checklists, maintenance checklists, pickup operations, and other features can be performed outside the normal operator compartment. In this sense, virtualizations can mimic or alter the physical vehicle counterpart. For example, some virtualizations may provide reduced functionality, adjusted performance, or altered capacity, or other modifications as desired by the vehicle manufacturer. QCMPLn / eznz / B / Yi Open standard communication As mentioned earlier, in this example mode, the instruction is formatted in an open standard communication protocol. A few illustrative examples might include Bluetooth, USB, Ethernet, ultra-wideband, cellular, another open standard, or a combination thereof. Generally, an open standard will have a published or open specification, various rights granted to users, or a combination thereof. For example, referring to Figure 4 and Figure 5, the tablet connects to the embedded information core via USB, Bluetooth, or both (or another connection method). Here, the tablet processor formats the instruction in the open standard communication protocol as a packet with a header and payload, where the payload contains the modification command. In some modes, the instruction can be received by reconciling messages using at least two different, independent, open standard communication protocols, such as Bluetooth and USB. By reconciling both wired and wireless connections, the embedded controller has greater assurance of receiving the correct message. Alternatively, a protocol can be prioritized. For example, a process can be responsible for prioritizing the wireless open standard communication protocol over the wired open standard communication protocol when the wired open standard communication protocol is detected as down, and / or prioritizing the wired open standard communication protocol over the wireless open standard communication protocol when the wireless open standard communication protocol is detected as down. Figure 7 illustrates a process 700 for modifying the operation of a material handling vehicle, where instructions are communicated via an open standard communication protocol. In 702, the process for modifying the operation of a material handling vehicle may comprise receiving, by means of a processor in a material handling vehicle, from a tablet that is communicatively coupled to the material handling vehicle, an instruction to modify an operating condition of an electrical component of the material handling vehicle. In this example, the instruction is communicated via an open standard communication protocol.The process also includes, in 704, determining whether the removable tablet is communicatively coupled to the material handling vehicle through a wired open standard communication protocol, a wireless open standard communication protocol, or both a wired open standard communication protocol and a wireless open standard communication protocol. In 706, the process further comprises prioritizing the wired open standard communication protocol over the wireless open standard communication protocol where the wired open standard communication protocol is detected as active. In 708, the process comprises converting, by means of a processor in the material handling vehicle, the instruction into a modification command to modify an associated electrical component of the material handling vehicle according to a parameter extracted from the instruction. In 710, the process comprises transmitting the modification command to the electrical component of the material handling vehicle through a network of the QCMPLn / eznz / B / Yi material handling vehicle, wherein the electrical component receives the modification command and transforms an operating state of the electrical component to cause a general modification of the operation of the material handling vehicle. The process can determine if the removable tablet is communicatively coupled to the material handling vehicle via a standard open wired communication protocol by detecting the presence of a wired connection, such as a USB connection. The USB connection can be determined as active by detecting a recognition signal from the tablet through the USB connection. Similarly, the process can determine if the removable tablet is communicatively coupled to the material handling vehicle via a standard open wireless communication protocol by detecting the presence of a Bluetooth connection, for example, by detecting a pairing request that identifies a broadcast name, etc. The exchange can flow in both directions. As detailed in this document, the central processor communicatively couples to the forklift data (e.g., configuration data for forklifts 444 and 544) stored in the material handling vehicle's memory. The central processor can then extract the forklift data from the vehicle's memory, format the extracted data into vehicle information using an open standard communication protocol, and communicate this information to the tablet, for example, for display in a graphically produced add-on on the tablet's touchscreen. The central processor can use one or more communication protocols to communicate with the tablet, including open standard protocols such as USB, Bluetooth, and others. This bidirectional communication allows the tablet to send information, such as commands, to the material handling vehicle. The bidirectional communication also allows the material handling vehicle to send information to the tablet. The tablet can then process and display the information, process the information and send the processed information back to the material handling vehicle, or use the tablet's transceiver to send information from the material handling vehicle to a remote destination, such as remote server 112.For example, the central processor of the material handling vehicle can send information to the tablet, for example, to store a current state of the vehicle's operating parameters, so that the tablet can communicate at least one operating parameter of the vehicle to a remote device regardless of whether the material handling vehicle is turned on or off. As another example, the central processor can execute software code to read the current state of the vehicle's operating parameters and store that state in onboard memory. In this case, the tablet is configured not to store vehicle operating parameters unless specifically instructed to do so by the material handling vehicle's processor. Therefore, for example, the central processor can determine if the removable tablet is communicatively coupled to the material handling vehicle, and optionally, determine if the tablet The removable QCMPLn / eznz / B / Yi can handle a processing task associated with the material handling vehicle. The central processor then sends the data associated with the material handling vehicle's processing task to the tablet, receives a modification parameter from the tablet based on the tablet's application, and modifies the material handling vehicle according to the modification parameter received from the tablet. In still other configurations, the exchange of information between the material handling vehicle and the tablet can switch between open protocols. For example, a communication sequence between the tablet and the material handling vehicle can be initiated using a wireless open standard communication protocol (e.g., Bluetooth). If the components detect that the wireless open standard communication protocol has become inactive, the communication sequence will switch to a wired open standard communication protocol (e.g., USB) without interruption. Similarly, the communication sequence can begin with a wired open standard communication protocol (e.g., USB).If the USB connection has been disabled, the communication sequence can be switched to a standard open wireless communication protocol (e.g., Bluetooth) without interruption in the communication sequence. Android In some configurations, the tablet runs an Android operating system. The Android operating system can run plugins and other applications specific to the material handling vehicle. The material handling vehicle can also utilize the tablet's built-in camera, video, ports, and other capabilities to provide technological assistance. In some configurations, the Android operating system is locked to prevent third-party applications from being loaded onto the tablet. In other configurations, the tablet allows third-party applications, such as a garage door opener, a calculator, a warehouse management interface, a remote light switch control, and so on. In some configurations, the tablet processor obtains information about the current status of the material handling vehicle, such as its location over time, operator identification, etc. This information can be derived from the tablet itself, through interaction with a remote server, or through communication between the tablet and the central information controller's processor. This allows the dashboard displays to be either static or dynamic, for example, based on the status information obtained. For instance, the displays can be modular and adaptable, changing dynamically in response to vehicle location data, forklift telematics data, operator location data, and so on. In addition, a private app store can be used to deliver new and updated apps to the tablet. This can enable the integration of facial or other biometrics, new apps, and other capabilities. Furthermore, the Android operating system supports a QCMPLn / eznz / B / Yi is a conventional web browser. As such, the vehicle operator can have selective access to the Internet, for example, to stream music, upload photos of work tasks, check the weather, log into fleet management software, etc. Security In accordance with additional aspects of this disclosure and with reference to Figure 8, a process 800 is provided to ensure access to a material handling vehicle. The process 802 comprises attaching a tablet to a material handling vehicle via a wired open standard communication protocol. The process also involves receiving an initial device identification from the attached tablet via the open wired standard communication protocol. The process also includes storing the first device identification in memory at 806. The process also involves receiving a second device identification on 808 via the open wireless standard communication protocol. Additionally, the process optionally includes determining in 810 whether another device is already attached to the material handling vehicle by means of the open wireless standard communication protocol. The process also includes communicatively coupling the tablet to the material handling vehicle in 812 by means of the open wireless standard communication protocol if there is no other device already coupled to the material handling vehicle by means of the second communication protocol and the second device identification coincides with the first device identification. In some embodiments, the process may further comprise providing in the material handling vehicle, a memory-coupled processor, the processor implements software code to read a current state of the vehicle's operating parameters and store the current state of the vehicle's operating parameters in memory, and configuring the tablet not to store vehicle operating parameters unless specifically instructed to do so by the material handling vehicle's processor. Also, in some modalities, the process also includes instructing, through the processor of the material handling vehicle, the tablet to store a current state of the vehicle's operating parameters, so that the tablet can communicate at least one operating parameter of the vehicle to a remote device regardless of whether the material handling vehicle is turned on or off. As an example, a wired communication protocol, such as USB, can be used to pass a discovery parameter from the tablet to the embedded controller (or from the embedded controller to the tablet). This discovery parameter can then be used to authenticate the wireless connection. For example, the tablet might broadcast a discovery name such as the second device ID. This ensures the embedded controller selects the correct wireless connection for the tablet, even when numerous tablets are broadcasting within range, because the correct discovery name was sent to the embedded controller via USB. The tablet can also authenticate to a remote server using an authentication protocol, for example, by using randomized encryption each time a connection is opened between the tablet and the remote server. The packet can also be wrapped with encryption, such as a Transport Layer Security (TLS) cryptographic protocol, to provide greater security between the tablet and the embedded information core. As another example, a packet format can depend on encryption. Here, the encryption can be fixed or constantly changing based on a predetermined interval. For instance, the tablet can communicate using a protocol that changes at predetermined intervals, where packets communicated using the protocol are encrypted. In another example, a packet format depends on encryption that changes continuously based on a predetermined interval. As yet another example, a security process might involve establishing a connection between the tablet and the material handling vehicle's embedded controller, and identifying a challenge question-and-answer template from a set of challenge question-and-answer templates. An identified challenge question is presented to the tablet, which then formulates a response. The embedded controller receives the response from the tablet and determines whether the received response matches an answer associated with the question-and-answer template. Therefore, the embedded information core can maintain the secure connection if the received response matches the answer associated with the question-and-answer template, and terminate the secure connection if the received response does not match the answer associated with the question-and-answer template. To add an extra layer of security, the system can run the tablet in kiosk mode with a control application that acts as a monitoring application, consuming at least one physical button (e.g., the home button) on the tablet. This allows the tablet to deny an initial load of a boot kernel if the boot kernel is not signed with an authorized signature. In this way, a first authorized signature might be required to load applications onto the tablet, and a second authorized signature might be required to modify the tablet's operating system. In this context, an “authorized” signature is a signature that satisfies authentication credentials, which can be specified by a trusted source, such as a manufacturer, trusted third party, or other authoritative source of digital information. In some modalities, an algorithm validates the authenticity, integrity, origin, source, content, combinations thereof, etc., of digital information (e.g., a signature, certificate, signed code) to ensure that only valid and authorized code is loaded and / or executed (e.g., the boot kernel in the previous example). Correspondingly, an “unauthorized” signature may include the absence of a signature, a signature that is presented but determined to be invalid, a signature that is presented but determined to have expired, or a signature that is otherwise QCMPLn / eznz / B / Yi fails to designate or otherwise present the appropriate authentication credential(s), a signature that fails integrity verification, etc. The tablet can be configured to operate specifically and exclusively with the material handling vehicle, for the purpose of performing the vehicle's functions. Alternatively, the tablet can be allowed access to the operating system, for example, to perform non-vehicle functions such as playing a game, accessing the internet, playing music, etc. Here, access can be restricted based on the time, day, shift, location, or other environmental parameters. As an example, based on at least one environmental parameter such as the time of day, the tablet can be controlled to restrict access to its wireless radio. This enables the tablet to allow wireless communication only with a remote internet site (or group of pre-approved sites) during a predefined, restricted time window. Miscellaneous With reference to the figures, generally, the reference to a wireless connection can be any wireless connection. Therefore, although it is described with reference to Bluetooth for illustrative purposes, the connection can be replaced with ultra-wideband, Wi-Fi, cellular, Zigbee, etc. Similarly, the reference to a wired connection can be any wired connection, such as USB, FireWire, Thunderbolt, Universal Asynchronous Receiver / Transmitter (UART), Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI), Inter-Integrated Circuit (I2C), Controller Area Network (CAN), etc. A conventional user interface in a material handling vehicle comprises a display, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), with an embedded operating system (OS), such as a custom OS, Linux, Windows, Android, etc. However, the aspects of this disclosure decouple the industrial hardware from the technology hardware. Leveraging a handheld device for the design components that change frequently with technology cycles (wireless radios, display / touchscreen, processing power) enables a flexible and robust architecture that can be upgraded more quickly and with less effort than a fully integrated approach. Overview of the computer system With reference to Figure 9, a schematic block diagram illustrates an exemplary computer system 900 for implementing the various processes described herein. The exemplary computer system 900 includes one or more microprocessors (μR) 910 (hardware) and corresponding memory 920 (hardware) (e.g., random access memory and / or read-only memory) connected to a system bus 930. Information can be passed between the system bus 930 via a suitable bridge 940 and a local bus 950 used to communicate with various input / output devices. For example, the local bus 950 is used to interconnect peripherals with such one or more microprocessors (μR) 910, such as storage 960 (e.g., hard disk drives); QCMPLn / eznz / B / Yi removable multimedia storage devices 970 (e.g., flash drives, DVD-ROM drives, CD-ROM drives, floppy drives, etc.); I / O devices 980 such as input devices (e.g., mouse, keyboard, scanner, etc.), output devices (e.g., monitor, printer, etc.); and a network adapter 990. The above list of peripherals is presented for illustrative purposes and is not intended to be exhaustive. Other peripheral devices may be conveniently integrated into the computer system 900. The 910 microprocessor(s) controls the operation of the illustrative 900 computer system. In addition, one or more of the 910 microprocessors execute computer-readable code (for example, stored in memory 920, storage 960, removable media insertable into removable multimedia storage 970, or combinations thereof, collectively or individually referred to as computer program products) that instructs the 910 microprocessor(s) to implement the computer-implemented processes described herein. The computer-implemented processes described herein may be implemented as a machine-executable process running on a computing system, for example, one or more of the 102 processing devices in Figure 1, on a particular computing device such as the vehicle computer described with reference to Figures 2 through 5, or combinations thereof. Therefore, the exemplary computer system or components thereof may implement processes and / or computer-implemented processes stored on one or more computer-readable storage devices as further set forth herein. Other computer configurations may also implement the processes and / or computer-implemented processes stored on one or more computer-readable storage devices as further set forth herein. The computer program code to perform operations for the aspects of this disclosure may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. The program code may be executed entirely on the 900 computer system or partially on the 900 computer system.In the last scenario, the remote computer can connect to the 900 computing system through any type of network connection, for example, using the 990 network adapter of the 900 computing system. The terminology used herein is intended to describe particular modalities only and is not intended to be exhaustive. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” “one,” “the,” and “a” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises” and / or “includes,” when used in this specification, shall be understood to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but shall not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. The description of the present modalities has been provided for illustrative and descriptive purposes, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the modalities in the published form. Many modifications and variations will be evident to experts in the field without departing from the scope and essence of the published modalities. QCMPLn / eznz / B / Yi Therefore, having described in detail the modalities of the present application, it will be evident that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the attached claims.
Claims
1. A material handling vehicle communication system comprising: a vehicle network facilitating information exchange with vehicle electronic components of a material handling vehicle; an integrated information core having a central processor communicatively coupled to the vehicle network; and a tablet having a tablet processor; wherein: when the tablet is communicatively coupled to the integrated information core, the tablet processor operates in cooperation with the central processor, defining a distributed multiprocessor vehicle control architecture where the central processor and the tablet processor cooperate to exchange at least one vehicle parameter between the tablet and an associated vehicle electronic component.
2. The material handling vehicle communication system according to claim 1, wherein: the tablet is configured to communicatively couple to, and communicatively decouple from, the integrated information core.
3. The material handling vehicle communication system according to claim 2, wherein: the tablet can be mounted on the material handling vehicle independently of the communicable coupling to the integrated information core.
4. The material handling vehicle communication system according to claim 1, wherein: the tablet processor is capable of communicating with the central processor through at least one wireless connection and at least one wired connection.
5. The material handling vehicle communication system according to claim 1, wherein: the integrated information core includes a data synchronization manager that manages synchronization data collected from the material handling vehicle with information exchanged with the tablet.
6. The material handling vehicle communication system according to claim 1, wherein: the integrated information core comprises a transceiver for wireless communication with a remote server; the integrated information core receives information from the remote server corresponding to an instruction to modify the operation of the material handling vehicle; the central processor carries out the modification by communicating through the vehicle network to modify the operation of the material handling vehicle; and the central processor communicates a message to the tablet processor to modify the content displayed on the tablet screen based on the modification to the material handling vehicle.
7. A process for modifying the operation of a material handling vehicle, the process comprising: receiving an electrical signal representing an instruction to modify an operating condition of the material handling vehicle, wherein: the instruction is received from a tablet; and the instruction is formatted in an open standard communication protocol; converting the instruction received in the open standard communication protocol into a modification command to modify an associated electrical component of the material handling vehicle according to a parameter extracted from the instruction; and transmitting the modification command to the electrical component of the material handling vehicle via a network of the material handling vehicle, wherein: the electrical component receives the modification command and transforms an operating state of the electrical component to cause a general modification of the operation of the material handling vehicle.
8. The process according to claim 7, wherein: the tablet is configured to communicatively couple to, and communicatively decouple from, the material handling vehicle.
9. The process according to claim 8, wherein: the tablet can be mounted on the material handling vehicle independently of the coupling communicable to the material handling vehicle.
10. The process according to claim 7, wherein: receiving an electrical signal representing an instruction to modify an operating condition of the material handling vehicle comprises: receiving the electrical signal by means of a processor integrated in the material handling vehicle, the processor being communicatively coupled to the network of the material handling vehicle for communication with electronic modules of the material handling vehicle.
11. The process according to claim 7, wherein: receiving an electrical signal representing an instruction to modify an operating condition of the material handling vehicle, wherein the instruction is received from a tablet that is removably mounted on the material handling vehicle, comprises: receiving the electrical signal from the tablet while the tablet is detached from the material handling vehicle and is connected to the material handling vehicle by means of a wireless connection.
12. The process according to claim 7, wherein: receiving an electrical signal representing an instruction to modify an operating condition QCMPLn / eznz / B / Yi of the material handling vehicle, further comprises: receiving the instruction generated by an application running on the tablet in response to a user interacting with a graphical user interface on a touch screen of the tablet.
13. The process according to claim 7, wherein: converting the instruction received in the open standard communication protocol to a modification command to modify an associated electrical component of the material handling vehicle according to a parameter extracted from the instruction comprises: formatting the instruction in the open standard communication protocol as a packet having a header and payload where the payload contains the modification command; and the packet is wrapped with encryption.
14. The process according to claim 7, further comprising: determining whether the tablet is communicatively coupled to the material handling vehicle; determining whether the tablet can handle a processing task associated with the material handling vehicle; sending data associated with the processing task of the material handling vehicle to the tablet; receiving, from the tablet, a modification parameter based on the tablet running an application; and modifying the material handling vehicle according to the modification parameter received from the tablet.
15. The process according to claim 7, further comprising: determining whether the tablet is communicatively coupled to the material handling vehicle via a wired open standard communication protocol, a wireless open standard communication protocol, or both a wired open standard communication protocol and a wireless open standard communication protocol; and prioritizing the wired open standard communication protocol over the wireless open standard communication protocol where both the wired open standard communication protocol and the wireless open standard communication protocol are used and the wired open standard communication protocol is detected as active.
16. The process according to claim 15, wherein: determining whether the tablet is communicatively coupled to the material handling vehicle via a wired open standard communication protocol comprising: detecting the presence of a wired Universal Serial Bus (USB) connection; and detecting that the USB connection is active by detecting an acknowledgment signal from the tablet via the USB connection.
17. The process according to claim 15, further comprising: prioritizing the wireless open standard communication protocol over the wired open standard communication protocol QCMPLn / eznz / B / Yi where the wired open standard communication protocol is detected as inactive.
18. The process according to claim 15, further comprising: completing a communication sequence between the tablet and the material handling vehicle by: using the wired open standard communication protocol to initiate the communication sequence; detecting that the wired open standard communication protocol has been deactivated; and switching to the wireless open standard communication protocol without interruption in the communication sequence.
19. The process according to claim 15, further comprising: completing a communication sequence between the tablet and the material handling vehicle by: using the wireless open standard communication protocol to initiate the communication sequence; detecting that the wireless open standard communication protocol has been deactivated; and switching to the wired open standard communication protocol without interruption in the communication sequence.
20. A process for securing access to a material handling vehicle, the process comprising: attaching a tablet to a material handling vehicle via a wired open standard communication protocol; receiving a first device ID from the attached tablet via the wired open standard communication protocol; storing the first device ID in memory; receiving a second device ID via a wireless open standard communication protocol; determining whether another device is already communicatively attached to the material handling vehicle via the wireless open standard communication protocol;and communicatively couple the tablet to the material handling vehicle by means of the open wireless standard communication protocol if there is no other device already coupled to the material handling vehicle by means of the open wireless standard communication protocol and the second device identification matches the first device identification.; 21. The process according to claim 20, further comprising: authenticating the tablet on a remote server using an authentication protocol.
22. The process according to claim 20, further comprising: authenticating the tablet to a remote server using a randomized cipher each time a connection is opened between the tablet and the remote server.
23. The process according to claim 20, further comprising: providing in the material handling vehicle a memory-coupled processor, the processor implementing software code to read a current state of the vehicle's operating parameters and store the current state of the vehicle's operating parameters in memory; and configuring the tablet not to store vehicle operating parameters unless specifically instructed to do so by the material handling vehicle's processor.
24. The process according to claim 23, further comprising: instructing, by means of the material handling vehicle's processor, the tablet to store a current state of the vehicle's operating parameters, so that the tablet can communicate at least one operating parameter of the vehicle to a remote device regardless of whether the material handling vehicle is switched on or off.