Load Handling Clearance Visualization for Forklift Operations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators of load handling vehicles face difficulties in determining whether a load contacts adjacent objects during operations due to the limitations of two-dimensional images displayed on monitors, which can obscure clearance identification.
Innovation Solution
An operation assisting apparatus equipped with sensors, an object extraction unit, a load handling space derivation unit, and a clearance derivation unit, using a three-dimensional coordinate system to extract objects and derive clearances between the load handling space and adjacent objects, informing the operator through a monitor display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a two-dimensional image is displayed on a monitor to show the load and surrounding objects, then the operator can observe the load handling operation, but the operator cannot easily identify clearances between the load and adjacent objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from displaying only a two-dimensional image to superimposing three-dimensional clearance information on the monitor. The clearance derivation unit calculates clearance values in the width direction (X-axis) and vertical direction (Z-axis), and these three-dimensional clearance data are visually represented on the two-dimensional monitor display, enabling operators to perceive depth and spacing information that would otherwise be lost in a flat image.
2Device complexity
If the operator manually checks clearances by observing the two-dimensional monitor image, then no additional processing is required, but the operator may fail to determine whether the load contacts adjacent objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual visual inspection method with an automated computational system. The object extraction unit automatically identifies the load and adjacent objects from sensor data, the load handling space derivation unit calculates the spatial boundaries, and the clearance derivation unit computes precise clearance values in both X-axis and Z-axis directions. This automated measurement system eliminates the imprecision of manual visual estimation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing system between the sensor data and the operator. Instead of directly observing raw two-dimensional images, the operator receives processed information including extracted object data, derived load handling spaces, and calculated clearance values. This intermediary layer transforms complex sensor data into meaningful clearance information that directly answers the operator's safety concerns.
Data Source
AI summary
An operation assisting apparatus for a load handling vehicle conveying a load carried on a load handling apparatus includes a sensor, an object extraction unit configured to extract, as objects, a group of points representing parts of the objects from a result detected by the sensor in a coordinate system in a real space, a load handling space derivation unit configured to derive a load handling space occupied by the load during load handling work performed by the load handling apparatus in the coordinate system in the real space, a clearance derivation unit configured to derive a value of a clearance between the load handling space and an adjacent object adjacent to the load handling space, and an informing unit configured to inform an operator of the load handling vehicle of information about the value of the clearance.