Virtual Viewing Channel for Forklift Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial trucks face limitations in the driver's view due to the mast and load-carrying devices, leading to restricted visibility of critical surrounding areas, increasing the risk of collisions and operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a display device and recording device that generates a virtual viewing channel, allowing the driver to see otherwise obscured areas by recording images of these areas and displaying them in a driver-specific perspective, effectively creating a direct and unrestricted view of the surroundings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the mast and load-carrying device are positioned directly in front of the driver's workplace, then the industrial truck can effectively transport loads, but the driver's direct view of the route and surrounding areas is severely restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses cameras to capture images of areas that are not directly visible to the driver, creates a composite image that combines these camera views with the driver's direct field of view, and displays this composite image on a screen in the driver's workplace. This copying approach allows the driver to see areas that would otherwise be blocked by the mast and load-carrying device, resolving the contradiction between maintaining structural integrity for load transport and providing adequate visibility for safe operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a computer as an intermediary that processes images from multiple cameras, combines them with the driver's direct view, and generates a composite representation of the surrounding areas. This intermediary system bridges the gap between the physical obstruction caused by the mast and the driver's need for visibility, enabling the driver to perceive areas that are normally hidden without altering the fundamental structure of the industrial truck
2Reliability
If sensors are installed to warn the driver of imminent collisions, then collision warning capability is improved, but additional technical and financial expenditure is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates camera systems that serve multiple functions: they capture images for the composite view display, enable area recognition algorithms to detect obstacles, and provide collision warning capabilities. By using the same imaging infrastructure for multiple safety and operational functions, the system achieves reliable collision warning without requiring separate specialized sensors, thereby reducing additional technical and financial expenditure while improving safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements area recognition algorithms that continuously analyze camera images to detect obstacles and potential collision risks. This feedback mechanism processes visual information in real-time and can alert the driver to hazards in areas that are not directly visible, providing reliable collision warning capability using the existing imaging system rather than requiring additional specialized sensors
3Reliability
If the driver drives slowly and carefully to compensate for poor visibility, then collision risk is reduced, but goods handling performance decreases and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The composite image display creates a virtual copy of the surrounding areas that are not directly visible to the driver. This visual copying allows the driver to maintain normal driving speeds while still having awareness of potential hazards in obscured areas, thereby reducing collision risk without requiring the driver to slow down, thus maintaining goods handling performance and operational efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The computer-generated composite view acts as an intermediary that enhances the driver's situational awareness without requiring changes in driving behavior. By providing visual information about obscured areas through the display system, the driver can maintain normal operating speeds while achieving better collision avoidance, thus improving productivity without sacrificing safety
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a forklift truck (1) with a lifting frame (2), a driver's overhead guard (3) with a driver's workstation (4) for a driver (12) and a vehicle body (5), comprising: - a display device (6), - a receiving device (7) for receiving an image of an area of the surroundings (8) concealed by the forklift truck (1), which is not directly or immediately visible to the driver (12) at the driver's workstation (4), - wherein the display device (6) is electronically connectable to the receiving device (7) and wherein the display device (6) is further configured to display the area of the surroundings (8) received by the receiving device (7) in such a way that a virtual viewing channel (9) can be created through the forklift truck (1), through which the driver (12) at the driver's workstation (4) is enabled to see into the area of the surroundings (8) concealed by the forklift truck (1).