Forklift Load Visibility via Spatial Overlay
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Solution Overview
Problem
The obstruction of a driver's view by lifted loads in vehicles like forklifts increases the risk of collisions due to obstructed visibility, particularly in environments where the load's height obstructs the operator's forward vision.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a dimensioner to determine the size and shape of the load, an imager to observe the scene ahead, and a display to render a real-time visual representation of the scene with the load's spatial representation superimposed, providing the operator with an unobstructed view of the path and potential obstacles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the load is lifted to a height sufficient for movement, then the load can be transported over obstacles and decks, but the driver's view is obstructed increasing collision risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of cameras, processors, and display devices that mediate between the load and the driver. The camera captures images of the path ahead, the processor generates a spatial representation of the load and overlays it on the captured images, and the display presents this composite view to the driver. This intermediary system allows the driver to see both the load position and the path ahead simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between needing to lift the load high and maintaining visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy of the load's spatial representation and superimposes it on the real-time images of the path ahead. This copy includes the load's position, orientation, and dimensions, allowing the driver to understand the load's spatial relationship to obstacles without directly viewing the physical load. This copying approach enables the driver to maintain awareness of both the load and the environment, resolving the visibility obstruction problem.
2Reliability
If the driver relies on direct vision to avoid collisions, then collision avoidance is effective, but the load must be kept low limiting transport capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional direct vision to a enhanced visual dimension by overlaying the load's spatial representation on the real-time images. This dimensional enhancement provides the driver with additional spatial information about the load's position and orientation relative to the path ahead, enabling effective collision avoidance while maintaining the ability to transport loads at full operational height.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides continuous feedback to the driver by displaying real-time images of the path ahead with the load's spatial representation overlaid. This feedback loop allows the driver to adjust their positioning and movement based on the visual information, maintaining safe operation while transporting loads at heights that enable productivity.
3Ease of operation
If the driver positions themselves behind the control station to operate the forklift, then the control function is effective, but the load obstructs the driver's forward view
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical solution of changing the driver's physical position with an electronic/optical system. Instead of moving the driver to a position where they can directly see ahead (which would compromise control), the system uses cameras and image processing to electronically provide forward view information to the driver at the control station, maintaining both control effectiveness and visibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A system is described for presenting information relating to lifting and moving a load object with a vehicle. Upon the lifting, a dimensioner determines a size and a shape of the load object, computes a corresponding spatial representation, and generates a corresponding video signal. During the moving, an imager observes a scene in front of the vehicle, relative to its forward motion direction, and generates a video signal corresponding to the observed scene. The imager has at least one element moveable vertically, relative to the lifting. A display renders a real time visual representation of the scene observed in front of the vehicle based on the corresponding video signal and superimposes a representation of the computed spatial representation of the load object.