KR20150132238A - Wearable wireless remote control device for use with a materials handling vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

A supplemental control system for a logistics handling vehicle includes a wearable wireless remote control device worn by an operator interacting with a logistics handling vehicle and including a docking area, a releasably mountable communication device, and a travel control. The communication device temporarily docks to the docking area during use of the supplemental remote control system to control movement of the logistics handling vehicle and includes a wireless transmitter. The drive control portion is communicatively coupled to the wireless transmitter and the operation of the drive control portion causes the wireless transmitter to wirelessly transmit the drive request as a first type signal requesting the logistics handling vehicle to move across the floor surface in the first direction .

Description

[0001] Wearable wireless remote control device for use with a logistics handling vehicle [0002]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to materials handling vehicles, and more particularly to supplemental wearable wireless remote control devices for use with logistics handling vehicles for its enhanced operation.

Low level order picking trucks are typically used to collect stock in warehouses and distribution centers. These picking trucks typically include cargo carrying forks, power units, and platforms on which the operator can step on and ride while controlling the truck. The power unit also has a steerable wheel and corresponding traction and steering control mechanisms, for example a movable steering arm coupled to the steerable wheel. The control handle attached to the steering arm typically includes the operating controls necessary to operate the truck, such as a control for raising and lowering the fork and for controlling the speed and direction (forward or backward) of the truck .

In a typical inventory collection operation, an operator fulfills orders from available inventory items located in storage areas provided on both sides of a plurality of passages of a warehouse or distribution center. The operator manipulates the low level picking truck to the first position in which the item (s) is assembled. In the collection process, the operator retrieves the stock item (s) ordered from their associated storage area (s) and stores the collected inventory in a pallet, collection cage or other support structure supported by the forks of the order picking truck . The operator then advances the order picking truck to the next position where the item (s) should be picked up. The process is repeated until all inventory items at the order (s) are collected.

The operator typically climbs onto the truck platform to ride on the order picking truck when the distance between successive items is longer, for example 20 feet or more (about 6.1 meters). Correspondingly, the worker walks beside the truck when the distance along the path between consecutive houses is short. Thus, some order picking trucks include jog switches located on the truck near the forks and / or on or near the control handle. The jog switches are typically about 1.6 miles per hour (3.3 kilometers per hour) to about 3.5 miles per hour (5.6 kilometers per hour) in order to move from one stock inventory location to the next inventory home location without having to rise on the platform of the order picking truck It can be used by an operator walking next to an order picking truck to accelerate the truck at walking speeds. However, for these operations, the operator is required to interrupt the collection while the order picking truck is relocated to the next position. Thus, the operator may be required to modify the desired walking path to reach the jog switches or to move away from the desired working position.

It is customary for an operator to repeat the collection process several hundred times per order. Moreover, the operator may be required to collect numerous orders per shift. As such, the operator may be required to consume a significant amount of time reallocation and repositioning of the order picking truck, which reduces the time available for the worker to consume inventory.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a supplementary remote control system for a logistics handling vehicle. The supplemental remote control system is worn by an operator interacting with the logistics handling vehicle and includes a wearable wireless remote control device including a docking area, a removable mountable communication device, and a travel control. The communication device temporarily docks to the docking area during use of the supplemental remote control system to control movement of the logistics handling vehicle and includes a wireless transmitter. The drive control portion is communicatively coupled to the wireless transmitter and the operation of the drive control portion causes the wireless transmitter to wirelessly transmit the drive request as a first type signal requesting the logistics handling vehicle to move across the floor surface in the first direction .

The communication device and the travel control unit may be components of the electronic hardware of the remote control device. The electronic hardware may also include wires that provide communication between the travel control and the wireless transmitter. The wires of the travel control and electronics hardware may be releasably mountable to the garment of the remote control device, and the docking area may also be releasably attachable to the garment. The docking area, the travel control unit, and the wire may be provided as an integral unit. The garment may comprise a glove, in which case the travel control may comprise a button on the finger of the glove, or the garment may comprise a strap worn on the operator's cuff or arm, And a wearable button on the operator's finger.

Wireless communication may be provided between the communication device and the travel control section.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a supplementary remote control system for a logistics handling vehicle is provided. The supplemental remote control system includes a wearable wireless remote control device, which is worn by an operator interacting with the logistics handling vehicle, including a garment, a docking area detachably mountable to the garment, and electronic hardware. The electronic hardware includes a detachably mountable communication device, a travel controller, and a structure for providing communication between the travel controller and the wireless transmitter. The communication device temporarily docks to the docking area during use of the supplementary remote control system to control the movement of the logistics handling vehicle, and the operation of the travel control unit causes the logistics handling vehicle to request the logistics handling vehicle to move across the floor in the first direction 1 < / RTI > type signal to cause the wireless transmitter to transmit a travel request wirelessly.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a supplementary remote control system for a logistics handling vehicle. The supplemental remote control system includes a wearable wireless remote control device that interacts with the logistics handling vehicle and is worn by an operator, including a garment, a docking area associated with the garment, and electronic hardware. The electronic hardware includes a detachably mountable communication device, a travel control, and a wire. The communication device temporarily docks to the docking area during use of the supplemental remote control system to control movement of the logistics handling vehicle and includes a wireless transmitter. The wire provides communication between the travel controller and the wireless transmitter, and the wires of the travel controller and the electronic hardware are detachably mountable to the garment. The operation of the travel control unit causes the wireless transmitter to transmit a travel request wirelessly as a first type signal requesting the logistics handling vehicle to move across the floor in a first direction.

The garment may include one of a strap worn on an operator's cuff or arm, and the communication device is selectively mountable on each strap and glove's docking area without modification of the communication device.

The following description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention will be best understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings in which like structures are denoted by like reference numerals.

1 is a perspective view of a low-level order picking truck in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary system for remotely controlling traction, steering, and / or braking functions of the truck shown in Figure 1 in response to wireless remote commands in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention.
3 is a schematic diagram of a truck in a warehouse corridor according to various embodiments of the present invention.
4 is a schematic view of a truck towards the end of an exemplary warehouse corridor showing a disabling zone in accordance with various aspects of the present invention;
Figure 5 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary determination process of a controller on the truck of Figure 1 according to various embodiments of the present invention.
Figure 6 is an illustration of an exemplary remote control device in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.
Figures 7A and 7B are parts of a dockable communication device that dock to a corresponding garment according to various aspects of the present invention.
8A-8B illustrate a communication device worn by an operator in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.
9 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of pairing a wireless remote transmitter with a receiver on a truck according to various aspects of the present invention.
10 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method of pairing a wireless remote transmitter with a receiver on a truck in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.
11 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method of temporarily powering off a truck having a receiver that has been pre-paired with a wireless remote transmitter in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.
12 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method of terminating pairing between a receiver and a wireless remote transmitter in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.
Figure 13 is a schematic view of an exemplary remote part worn on the wrist / hand of an operator.
Figure 14 is a schematic view of the part of the remote part of Figure 13 worn on the operator's hand when the operator is not engaged with the remote control part;
Fig. 15 is a schematic view of the remote part of Fig. 13 worn in the hands of a worker in a process in which an operator joins the control part of the remote part;
15A schematically illustrates an alternative button configuration for a wrist / hand mountable remote.
Figure 16 is a schematic view of the remote part of Figure 13 worn by an operator while carrying the package with both hands;
17 is a side view of an exemplary control area of another exemplary remote part;
18 is a perspective view of the control area of the remote part of Fig.
19A is a perspective view of a control region of another exemplary remote unit worn by an operator;
19B is a perspective view of a remote part including the control area of FIG. 19A showing the control area and transmitter assembled together; FIG.
Figure 19c is a plan view of the remote part of Figure 19b.
Figure 19d is a top view of the remote portion of Figure 19b with a control region separated from the transmitter by a tethered interconnect.
Figure 20 is a side view of the control portion of the remote portion of Figures 19b-19d showing a clamping approach for wearing the control region.
Figure 21a is a perspective view of another exemplary remote part worn by an operator.
21B is a perspective view of the control region of the remote part of FIG. 21A coupled to the transmitter of the remote part;
Figure 22a is a side view of another exemplary remote part worn by an operator.
22B is a perspective view of the remote part of FIG.
Figure 23 is another exemplary remote part worn on the wrist of an operator.
24 is a view of another exemplary remote part worn on the wrist of an operator;
Figure 25a shows another exemplary remote part worn on an operator's hand;
25B is a view of the remote part of Fig. 25A in a process in which an operator operates a button; Fig.
25C is a schematic side view of the remote part of Fig. 25A, showing the button with the first contact member and the second contact member; Fig.
26-28 illustrate additional exemplary remote portions adapted to be worn on an operator's wrist / arm;
29 to 30 are a side view and a plan view of a logistics handling vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention.
31 is a non-assembled perspective view of a wearable wireless remote control device according to various aspects of the present invention.
32 is an assembled perspective view of the wearable wireless remote control device of Fig. 31;
33 is a non-assembled perspective view of a wearable wireless remote control device according to various aspects of the present invention.
34 is an assembled perspective view of the wearable wireless remote control device of Fig. 33;

In the following detailed description of the illustrated embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part thereof and illustrate, by way of illustration and not limitation, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the various embodiments of the invention.

Various aspects of the present invention are directed to wireless remote control devices that include a wireless remote control that is worn or otherwise secured to an operator for wireless remote manipulation of features of a logistics vehicle such as a lift truck. In addition, various aspects of the present invention are directed to systems provided in a logistics handling vehicle for responding to wireless remote control commands. Further, synchronization and use operations are described to facilitate user interaction and wireless remote control of the logistics handling vehicle in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIG. 1, a logistics handling vehicle, shown as a low level picking truck 10, generally includes a cargo handling assembly 12 extending from a power unit 14. The cargo handling assembly 12 includes a pair of forks 16 and each fork 16 has a cargo support wheel assembly 18. The cargo handling assembly 12 may include other components such as a cargo backrest, scissor lifting forks, outriggers and individual height adjustable forks, in addition to or instead of the illustrated arrangement of the forks 16, Such as a mast, a cargo platform, a collection cage or other support structure, which is otherwise supported by the car 16 or handled by the truck 10, .

The illustrated power unit 14 includes a first end section 32 located opposite the forks 16, a second end section 34 located adjacent to the forks 16 and a second end section 34 And a worker zone 30 having a step-through worker station 36 that divides the first end section 32 from the first end section 32. The step- A first work area is provided toward the first end section 32 of the power unit 14 and a control area 40 for driving the truck 10 and for controlling the features of the cargo handling assembly 12, . The first end section 32 may also optionally include a first storage area 46 for securing loose items, for example, which the corresponding trucker may wish to keep track of. The first end section 32 also forms a compartment 48 for receiving a battery, control electronics and motor (s), e.g., a traction motor, a steering motor and a lift motor (not shown) for the forks do.

As shown for illustrative purposes, but not by way of limitation, the control region 40 may include but are not limited to butterfly switches, thumbwheels, rocker switches, handwheel, steering wheel, A tiller, and the like. For example, as shown, a control such as a switch grip 54, which is a spring biased to a central neutral position, may be provided on the handle 52. Rotating the switch grip 54 forward and upward will first advance the truck 10, e.g., the power unit 14, at a speed proportional to the amount of rotation of the switch grip 54. Similarly, rotating the switch grip 54 toward the rear and downward direction of the truck 10 may be performed by moving the truck 10, for example, the forks 16, at a speed proportional to the amount of rotation of the switch grip 54, Will be moved back first. Devices for ringing the horn or performing other truck functions may also be provided.

The step-through worker station 36 provides a platform 56 on which an operator can stand to operate the truck 10 and manipulate the cargo handling features of the truck 10. [ Presence sensors 58 are also provided above or below platform floor 56, for example, to detect the presence of an operator on truck 10, as described in more detail herein Or may be provided in other ways around the operator's station 36. [ In the exemplary truck of FIG. 1, presence sensors 58 are shown with dashed lines indicating that they are located beneath the floor of platform 56. Under this arrangement, presence sensors 58 may include load sensors, switches, and the like. Alternatively, the position sensing sensors 58 may be implemented on the platform 56 using, for example, ultrasonic, capacitive or other suitable sensing techniques. The use of presence sensors 58 will be described in greater detail herein below.

The second end section 34 of the power unit 16 may include an operator support pad or other suitable support structure, a grip bar 62 and a second storage area 64. An antenna 66 is provided for receiving control signals from a corresponding remote control device 70, including a transmitter, a power pack, and a control structure, in one embodiment, as described in more detail herein. As shown, the radio frequency (RF) performance may be achieved, for example, along a vertical extension post 67, which may also support the light source 68, And by coupling the antenna 66 to the antenna 34. The placement of the antenna 66 on the light source 68 on the post 67 provides a convenient location for facilitating RF reception and provides a flexible location from the associated wires extending through the light source 68 and the antenna 66. [ Can be excluded. Alternatively, the antenna 66 may be located at any other location on the truck 10. The light source 68 may be used to provide information about the state of the truck 10 and / or the state of wireless communication between the suitably paired wireless remote control and the truck. For example, the light can illuminate when the truck 10 is moving and can be blinked or illuminated in a defined pattern to indicate specified conditions.

The gripper bar 62 can be used by the operator as a gripping surface when, for example, boarding, getting off or driving on the truck 10. Additionally, additional optional phage bars toward the phage bar 62 and other contained posts, e.g., the first end section 32 (not shown), may be used, for example, as scanners, Accessories, lights, clipboards, fans, storage units and other work or convenience related accessories, such as communication devices and other electronic devices, or other required items for performing the intended tasks in the application Can also be used to support. For example, the grip bar 62 or the second end section 34 can generally be used to mount supplementary work controls.

The exemplary truck 10 is provided as an example and not by way of limitation. In fact, the truck 10 may be implemented with other formats, styles, and features, such as a terminal control pallet truck that includes a steering tiller arm coupled to a tiller handle for steering the truck. In this regard, truck 10 may have similar or alternative control devices as shown in FIG.

In addition to or instead of the light source 68, for example, audible, visual, etc. indicators may be associated with the remote control system as described in more detail herein. For example, as shown, the truck 10 is shown as being located on or adjacent to the second end section 34 of the relatively low mounted power unit 14 relative to the ground. ) ≪ / RTI > The indicator may alternatively be mounted on a cargo stand, on a vertically extending pole, such as the light source 68, or at any other practical location, such as on another part of the truck 10 .

The strobe light 72 may be set in a unique pattern associated with the remote control operation. As such, when the truck 10 is not operating under radio remote control, the strobe pattern may change as the truck 10 operates under radio remote control. For example, the strobe light 72 may be turned off or the intensity, pattern, etc. may be changed when the truck 10 is not under radio remote control. In comparison, the strobe can flash when the truck 10 is under wireless remote control. The speed, intensity, or other pattern may vary based on the operating conditions of the truck, for example, to indicate movement, failure conditions, and the like. As shown, the light pattern 74 from the strobe light 72 is directed generally downward at an angle toward the forks 16. As such, the strobing region can be clearly visible to the operator and others in the vicinity of the truck 10, for example, in the work path of the truck 10, without switching to the operator or other person, And visible.

The truck 10 may include one or more object sensors 12 provided on the sides of the power unit 14 and / or toward the first end section 32 of the truck 10, for example, the power unit 14) (Not shown). The object sensors 76 may include any suitable proximity or touch detection technique, such as ultrasonic sensors, optical recognition devices, infrared sensors, and the like. For example, object sensors 76 may be implemented by Bosch URF6 ultrasonic sensors and corresponding controllers.

The object sensors 76 can be used to detect the presence of objects within a predefined area of the power unit 14, such as within a predefined detection area 78 as shown by dashed lines. In practice, the range of each object sensor 76 may be different, and the sensor detection areas 78 may be superimposed or otherwise arranged depending on the particular implementation and selection of the proximity detection technique. For example, the object sensors 76 toward the front of the power unit 14 may have a range of approximately 0 to 5 feet (0 to 1.5 meters), and the object sensors 76 to the sides of the power unit 14 (76) may have a range of approximately 0 to 2 feet (0 to 0.6 meters). Moreover, the detection range of the object sensors 76 may be adjustable or otherwise dynamically variable. For example, the range of object sensors 76 may be extended if certain operating conditions are detected. By way of example, the range of object sensors 76 may be adjusted based on the speed of the truck 10 when advancing under radio remote control.

In addition, the truck 10 may include one or more cargo presence sensors 80. The cargo presence sensor (s) 80 may be used to detect proximity or contact techniques, such as contact switches, pressure sensors, ultrasonic sensors, optical sensing devices, infrared sensors or suitable cargo carrying structures such as pallets or other platforms, Or the like. The cargo presence sensor (s) 80 may be mounted to the front of the power unit 14, to a cargo rest or other suitable support structure, the location of which may be dependent on the technique deployed.

Referring to FIG. 2, the block diagram 100 shows a control device for integrating remote control commands with the truck 10. The antenna 66 is coupled to the receiver 102 for receiving commands issued by the remote control device 70. Receiver 102 may be operatively coupled to receive signals from a suitable operation in response to received commands, for example, by operating relays or other operating devices controlled by electricity, magnets, hydraulic presses, pneumatics, To the controller (103) that implements the received commands. The controller 103 also receives information from other sources such as switches, encoders and other input devices available to the truck 10 to determine the appropriate operation in response to received commands from the remote control device 70 Other inputs 104 may be received.

In one exemplary arrangement, the remote control device 70 operates to wirelessly transmit a travel request to a receiver on the truck 10 as a first type signal, also referred to herein as a "travel signal" or "start signal". The travel request is used to request the truck 10 to advance or jog in a first direction. The first direction can be defined, for example, by the movement of the truck 10 in the power unit 14 first, i.e., in the backward direction of the forks 16. However, other driving directions may be alternatively defined. Moreover, the truck 10 can be generally controlled to run in a linear direction or along a predetermined orientation.

The first type signal is received by the receiver 102 and communicated to the controller 103. If the controller 103 determines that the driving signal is valid and the current vehicle conditions are appropriate (as will be described in more detail below), the controller 103 advances the truck 10, Lt; / RTI > As described in more detail herein, the stopping of the truck 10 can be implemented by applying a braking force to the truck 10 to stop the truck, thereby stopping the truck.

As an example, the controller 103 may be communicatively coupled to the traction control system shown as the traction motor controller 106 of the truck 10. The controller must implement a travel request based on an evaluation of the condition (s) to evaluate at least one vehicle condition, and to determine whether the controller should implement a travel request based on an evaluation of the condition (s) Upon determination, the traction control system responds to receipt of the first type signal by the receiver 102 to advance the vehicle.

The traction motor controller 106 is coupled to a traction motor 107 that drives at least one steered wheel 108 of the truck 10. The controller 103 can communicate with the traction motor controller 106 in such a manner as to limit the speed of the truck 10 in response to receiving a travel request from the remote control device 70. [ For example, the running speed of the truck 10 may be limited to a typical walking speed, e.g., up to or about 27.75 miles per hour (4.4 kilometers per hour).

For example, noise and / or interference from other wireless and remote control systems may be present in the vicinity of truck 10. As such, the receiver 102 or the controller 103 can perform signal analysis to distinguish valid running signals from invalid signals. For example, the controller 103 may determine that the receiver 102 has provided a driving signal at an improper frequency or an inappropriate channel. Moreover, the operator and / or transmitter identification (ID) code may be embedded within the travel request, as described in more detail below. Under this circumstance, the controller 103 may be operatively configured to either respond to messages having a specific ID only or to exclude / discard commands from specific ID codes.

Also, the travel signal can be detected at a power level that is too strong or too weak to be considered as an effective signal. For example, if the signal is too strong, it may indicate that the operator is too close to the truck 10 to initiate an automated run. Correspondingly, if the signal is too weak, it may indicate that the operator has exceeded a predetermined range of truck 10 for permitted remote control.

In addition, the controller 103 may request an acknowledgment signal or other bi-directional communication from the remote control device 70 that was not received in a timely manner. For example, the controller 103 may be coupled to the transmitter 109 on the truck 10 to facilitate bidirectional communication with the wireless remote control device 70. Under these and other similar circumstances, the controller 103 may choose to discard the received travel request and not to operate if bi-directional communication is not properly acknowledged. The bi-directional communication may also be used to pair the receiver 102 in the truck 10 to a corresponding instance of the wireless remote control device 70, as described in more detail herein below.

The controller 103 may also refuse to acknowledge the travel signal in accordance with the vehicle condition (s) associated with environmental or operational factors. For example, the controller 103 may discard another valid driving request based on information derived from one or more of the sensors 58, 76, 80. In this regard, the sensors 58, 76, 80, etc. may be coupled to the controller 103 via inputs 104 or via a suitable truck network such as a control area network (CAN) Any other number of suitable conditions may also / may alternatively be implemented by the controller 103 to interpret and operate the received signals.

The CAN bus 110 is coupled to the CAN bus 110 to communicate with any trucking system or module connected to the CAN bus 110 to make decisions about how to implement the commands received from the remote control device 70 Facilitates a suitable platform for the controller 103. Further, the relevant information derived from the truck 10 can be communicated back to the remote control device 70 by using the transmitter 109 in the truck 10 to communicate with the corresponding receiver in the remote control device 70. [

The CAN protocol is an appropriate network platform for logistics handling vehicles because there is no addressing of subscribers or stations in the conventional network concept. Rather, CAN defines a prioritized system of transmitted messages where the priority of a given message broadcast across the CAN bus 110 depends on the corresponding message identifier code. The message broadcast from the first module may be received by all the nodes or modules connected to the CAN bus 110. Thus, the controller 103 may exchange information with the corresponding paired wireless remote control device 70 based on any number of factors, conditions, conditions, etc. that may be communicated across the CAN bus 110 and / / RTI > and / or < / RTI > wireless remote control.

The network may alternatively include communication capabilities such as any other bus system, such as a local interconnect network (LIN) or a vehicle area network (VAN), or a wiring harness, bus other signal propagation scheme or other control network . As such, the various controllers and electronics on the truck 10 may communicate with each other in a broadcast, unicast, or other manner.

Upon acknowledgment of the valid driving request, the controller 103 interacts with the traction motor controller 106 via, for example, the CAN bus 110 or other communication coupling, to advance the truck 10. In accordance with certain implementations, the controller 103 may interact with the traction motor controller 106 to advance the truck 10 by a predetermined distance. Alternatively, the controller 103 may interact with the traction motor controller 106 to advance the truck 10 for a period of time in response to the detected and maintained operation of the control on the remote control device 70. In addition, the truck 10 can be configured to jog as long as the running control signal is received. However, the controller 103 may be configured to control the operation of the truck 10 based on predetermined events, such as exceeding a predetermined time period or mileage, regardless of whether the operation of the corresponding control on the remote control device 70 is maintained And "time out" Alternative implementations may be implemented to affect the range, duration, speed, etc. of the truck 10 when the other control devices operate under wireless remote control, these examples will be described in greater detail herein.

The controller 103 may also communicate with the steering control system, for example, via the CAN bus 110 or otherwise, to allow the truck 10 to adjust the traveling path of the truck 10. For example, the controller 103 may control the steering controller 112 to command or otherwise control the steering motor 114 or other suitable control device that also couples to the steered wheel (s) 108 of the truck 10, Lt; / RTI > For example, the controller 103 can straighten the truck 10 or adjust the steering angle of the truck 10 before or during the running operation of the wireless remote control. As such, the controller 103 may be defaulted to an operating mode in which the truck 10 travels in a linear direction or along a predetermined orientation when the truck 10 moves under radio remote control in response to a response to a travel request. The controller 103 may also provide steering angle limits during remote control operations when the truck 10 is traveling in a direction other than the straight line of the wheel (s) 108 to which the steering wheel is steered. For example, the controller 103 may limit the angle at which the truck 10 can travel when performing remote controlled travel requests to a range of approximately 5 to 10 degrees. Thus, in addition to jogging the traction motor 107, the controller 103 can also adjust or control the straightened or steered wheels 108 in a different manner.

The remote control device 70 may also be operable to transmit a second type signal such as a "stop signal" indicating that the truck 10 should be braked and / or otherwise stopped. The second type signal may also be implied, for example, after implementing the "drive" The second type signal is received by the receiver 102 and communicated to the controller 103. If the controller 103 determines that the stop signal is a valid stop signal, the controller 103 transmits a signal to the braking control system via the CAN bus 110, for example. For example, the controller 103 may communicate with the braking controller 116 of the truck 10 to cause the appropriate braking device 117 to stop the truck 10. As an alternative to the stop signal, the second type signal may include a "hitting drive signal" which indicates that the horse driving should ultimately stop the truck 10. The controller 103 drives the traction motor 107, for example. However, in the case where the truck 10 is driven by the traction motor 107 in a different manner, for example, when the traction drive signal is recognized by the controller 103 as an effective traction drive signal, The driving of the truck 10 can be separated by instructing the traction controller 106 to stop applying the signal so as to gradually decelerate and stop. Any number of suitable conditions or factors may be considered by the controller 103 to interpret and operate in response to the received stop or hit travel signals. Further, rather than sending a second type signal to the remote control device 70 to request the truck 10 to implement a particular function, the remote control device 70, as described below, If the button on the terminal 70 is "double-clicked ", the truck 10 may send multiple instances of the first type signal to request to implement a particular function.

The time it takes for the truck 10 to stop completely may vary depending on, for example, the intended use, the environmental conditions, the capabilities of the particular truck 10, and other similar factors. For example, after completing the appropriate jog movement, it may be desirable to have the truck 10 "hit" a certain distance before it stops to stop slowly. This can be accomplished by using regenerative braking to slow down and stop the truck 10 so that a predetermined range of mileage can be achieved from the start of the stop operation until the time the truck finally stops. Alternatively, the braking operation may be applied after a predetermined delay to allow a predetermined range of additional travel to the truck 10 after commencement of the stop operation. For example, it may also be desirable to have the truck 10 stop relatively quickly if an object is detected in the travel path of the truck 10, or if an immediate stop is required after a successful jog operation. For example, the controller may apply a predetermined torque to the braking operation. Under these conditions, the controller 103 instructs the brake controller 116 to apply the brakes 117 to stop the truck 10.

Moreover, when the truck disable function is implemented, the truck can stop at the maximum braking torque. For example, the wireless remote control 70 may include a disable control to send a message instructing the truck 10 to brak and / or stop. In response to the disable function, the truck 10 may also switch off the main contactor 118 that is used to power the truck 10. Under this arrangement, the truck 10 may require a re-start operation, for example using a key switch or other suitable configuration to restart the truck start-up procedure. The controller 103 may also interact with other truck outputs 119 to control, for example, horns, light sources, displays, etc., to implement desired behaviors. As such, the controller 103 can interact with the various components of the truck 10, with the operator, and with the wireless remote control devices 70 to implement various driving, stopping, kicking and powering strategies have.

As described above, the controller 103 can communicate with the brake controller 116 to cause the braking device 117 to stop the truck 10 under a variety of conditions. For example, the outputs of the object sensors 76 may be overridden while the operator is operating the truck 10 such that, for example, the operator may be in narrow spaces and / To control the truck 10 around the corners that may be activated by the user. However, the outputs of the object sensors 76 are executed when the operator is not sensed on the truck 10 and may not be overridden. In this way, the controller 103 is able to determine whether the truck 103 is in motion, for example, as detected by the object sensors 76 during travel in response to receiving a remote travel request from the remote control device 70, 10, it is possible to communicate with the brake controller 116 to stop the truck 10.

In addition, the controller 103 may determine that the platform presence sensor (s) 58 detects the presence of a person on the truck, or if the cargo presence sensor 80 detects that the corresponding cargo platform, for example a pallet, It is possible to refuse to implement the traveling request in response to receiving the traveling signal from the corresponding radio remote control unit 70. [ The controller 103 may also communicate with the brake controller 116 to stop the truck 10 when the cargo presence sensors 80 detect a change in the cargo platform from a valid designated position.

The remote control device 70, the receiver 102 and the transmitter 109 can communicate over a range of frequencies such that the remote control device 70 and the corresponding truck 10 are at a frequency Or frequencies. In addition, any number of wireless technologies may be used to facilitate interaction between the truck 10 and the remote control 70, including the use of spread spectrum techniques.

By way of example, techniques such as a Bluetooth communication link or derivative thereof may be formed between the transmitter in the remote control device 70 and the receiver 102 on the truck 10. Bluetooth and similar communications technologies allow control over remote output power intensity, adjustable output power, multiple sub-channels, and frequency hopping to reduce the probability of noise and other interference in the work area. The Bluetooth bandwidth can also simplify the transmission of voice control, as described in more detail herein.

If the truck 10 includes a tiller arm instead of the illustrated steering control, the truck may include a steering arm brake. As such, the steering arm locking device is provided for placing the truck in the batting mode of operation when using the remote, for example, as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,595,306, assigned to the same assignee and incorporated herein by reference. .

Referring to FIG. 3, the remote control device 70 and the corresponding receiver 102 may be configured such that the radio control spans a predetermined distance. The truck 10 is located within a typical warehouse corridor 120 having a plurality of storage locations 122 on either side of the corridor 120. As shown, the remote control device 70 is capable of communicating with the truck 10 over the range indicated by the hatched path radius 130. The range may vary depending on the particular implementation. For example, the range of motion may depend on the expected distance the operator is expected to walk from the truck 10 to collect items during the collection process. In an exemplary example, this distance may be approximately 25 feet (7.62 meters). Moreover, the range of motion need not be the same in all directions or under all conditions. For example, the range of motion may have a pattern such as an ellipse or some other directional pattern. There may also be a minimum range in which the wireless remote control can be non-functional. As described above, the controller 103 is able to discern signals that are too strong, suggesting that the operator is too close to the truck 10 for standing or remote operation. As another example, the operating range may be affected by operating conditions and environmental conditions, such as the speed of the truck, where the truck is located within the facility.

It may be desirable to set or otherwise program the object sensors 76 for detecting obstacles in the path of the traveling truck 10 in response to receiving a travel request from the remote control device 70 . For example, as shown, each of the object sensors 76 may detect the presence or absence of these objects within the distance schematically suggested by the range specified by the hatched detection area 78 proximate each object sensor 76, Lt; / RTI > The side-arranged object sensors 76 are not shown in Fig. 3 for clarity of explanation. The range of object sensors 76 may also be configured to vary statically or dynamically. For example, the range of object sensors 76 may vary as the velocity of the truck 10 changes in response to received jog commands and the like.

For each operation of the travel request on the remote control device 70, the operator can advance the truck 10 without spending time to physically engage the controls on the truck 10. [ For example, when issuing a travel request via the remote control device 70, the operator can walk to the next item to be retrieved or perform some other operation. The truck 10 automatically advances by an amount corresponding to the travel request. For example, if a predetermined distance of travel is commanded, after a predetermined distance travel, the truck 10 stops without requiring the operator to perform individual control operations. Alternatively, the truck 10 may maintain movement as long as the jog command is issued by the remote unit 70, for example, by a sustained action of the travel button. In the subsequent configuration, the truck 10 continues until the operator releases the travel button, and the operator combines the stop or the travel driving button, and the maximum consecutive travel time specified expires or some other appropriate action The truck 10 is stopped.

As an example of a first alternative manner in which the operator can interact with the truck 10, it is assumed that the operator drives the truck 10 along the hallway 120. The first row 142 of storage locations 122 is located on the first side of the truck 10. The second row 144 of storage locations 122 is located on the second side of the truck 10. Each of the first and second columns 142 and 144 of the storage locations 122 includes a plurality of discrete storage areas that may be bins, palettes, contoured or otherwise designated areas, . Moreover, each storage location 122 may include a plurality of vertically stacked independent storage areas, such as in a warehouse facility or a racking system within a distribution center. As such, there may be multiple levels of storage at each storage location 122. During the automatic operation of the truck via the remote control device 70, the truck 10 travels along the hallway 120. For example, the truck 10 is shown as the power unit 14 advancing as shown by the directional arrow 132. Thus, the forks 16 are directed to the rear of the truck 10 when traveling under remote control. Other driving directions may alternatively be implemented.

It is assumed that the worker is initially located at location A and that the item is collected from storage location 122 designated as storage location 122-1 in column 144. The worker walks from position A to storage location 122-1 to retrieve the desired item of commodity. After collecting the desired contents, the operator is at position B, just in front of storage location 122-1. The operator uses the remote control device 70 to advance or advance the truck 10 using the remote control device 70 so that the cargo platform 146 positioned on the forks 16 of the truck 10 is positioned at a position C in the vicinity of the position B. It is also assumed to be in the process of. The worker does not need to carry any item (s) of the purchase order to the truck 10 when walking from the location A to the storage location 122-1. Moreover, at the time (or just before or after) the worker has reached the location B with the collected goods (s) from the storage location 122-1, the truck 10 is stopped at the location C. Therefore, the operator needs to transport the article (s) from the storage position 122-1 to position B only for a relatively short distance.

After placing the items on the cargo platform 146 of the truck 10, the operator can then ascend on the truck 10 to drive to the next position, or the additional items to be collected in the current hallway 120 The operator may move the truck 10 using the travel control of the remote control device 70. [

Continuing with the example, it is assumed that the operator is now in position B and the article is to be collected from the storage location 122 designated as the storage location 122-2 in the row 142. The worker walks from position B to storage location 122-2 to retrieve the desired article of commodity. Furthermore, the operator initiates a wireless remote control travel request using the remote control device 70 to wirelessly transmit a first type ("travel") signal to a receiver on the truck 10, for example. When the operator reaches (or immediately before or after) the position D with the collected goods from the storage position 122-2, the truck 10 runs under radio remote control from position C and moves to position E . Again, the operator places the retrieved items on the cargo platform 146 of the truck 10 in a manner that minimizes the distance that the operator has to walk while carrying items to the collection order.

Moreover, since it is not necessary for the operator to stop the collection process to relocate or rearrange the truck 10 by moving the truck 10 forward during the collection, Time can be reduced. Also, as schematically shown, a single actuation of the travel control on the remote control device 70 may cause the truck 10 to advance forward and then stop at distance S1. Thus, after operating the drive control unit via the remote control device 70, the truck 10 is able to place items previously retrieved in a manner that minimizes the distance the operator has to carry the item (s) In a convenient place to make it. Moreover, since the worker does not need to interrupt the collection or other work-related work, the worker can, for example, compare the work required to continue the work to move the truck to the next position, To save energy and time.

One measure of the worker's productivity is the time spent by the worker on the house surface. That is, how much time is spent collecting orders compared to the time spent in relocating trucks 10 that are not directly involved in placing and loading the items of commodity and performing other tasks. As is apparent from the above description, the time required to relocate the truck 10 is reduced, allowing the operator to spend more time collecting items. Furthermore, the truck 10 can be remotely controlled to be always maintained in front of the operator, allowing the operator to work toward the cargo carrying portion of the truck 10. [ This minimizes the distance the operator has to travel to fetch and load the items and also reduces the distance the operator has to walk while carrying items. This can be significant especially if the forks 16 of the truck 10 are relatively long. For example, certain forks 16 may support triple-length cargoes such as three pallets.

Moreover, the warehouse management system software, which directs the workers in their collective operations, can be used as a tool for managing the order of the truck 10 when planning the collection orders so that the advantages of the remote control can be further improved by more efficient computer processing, A remote control unit of the vehicle can be considered.

4, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention, additional features may be incorporated into a warehouse or other facility and / or truck 10 to provide enhanced functionality. For example, the wireless remote jog control functionality may be disabled at specific locations for the facility, such as in crossing or crossing passages, in loading or receiving dock areas, areas of high pedestrian traffic, Lt; / RTI > To illustrate this feature, it is assumed that the wireless remote jog control will be disabled on the truck 10 as the truck 10 approaches the end of the hallway 120. [ The truck 10 includes one or more devices 148, such as radio frequency identification (RFID) antennas, to facilitate disabling the wireless remote jog control of the truck 10 at predetermined locations. The corresponding RFID tags 150 are located at the end of the corridor at the appropriate location.

The devices 148 generate signals in response to detecting the end of the corridor, for example, by sensing corresponding RFID tags 150 triggering to stop the truck 10 when under a wireless remote jog control. For example, signals from the devices 148 may be coupled to corresponding inputs, such as, for example, those of the inputs 104 on the controller 103, as appropriate. For example, if the controller 103 detects an appropriate signal from one of the devices 148 and the controller 103 detects that the truck 10 is currently operating in response to a travel request from the remote control device 70 , The controller may issue appropriate commands to the brake controller 116 to stop the truck 10.

In the illustrated example, the corridor 120 is 15 feet wide and the RFID antenna 148 is configured to detect corresponding RFID tags 150 within a radius of 13 feet (approximately 3.9 meters). This provides sufficient overlap of coverage within the corridor 120 for detection by the truck 10 and provides sufficient distance for the exemplary truck 10 to brak or otherwise stop close to the end of the corridor. Indeed, other ranges may be used and may be varied based on, for example, the stopping demands of the truck 10 and the corresponding wireless remote control implementation, the sensing technique used and other suitable factors.

Referring to Figure 5, a method 200 for implementing a driving function is shown. The method 200 may be implemented, for example, by the controller 103 on the truck 10. As mentioned herein, the controller 103 may respond to receipt of a travel request from the remote control device 70 to cause the truck 10 to advance if at least one condition is not met. The method 200 describes various exemplary vehicle conditions that may affect how the controller 103 interprets the travel request from the remote control device 70. [

The process waits to receive a travel request at 202. If no travel request is received, the process continues to wait. When a travel request is received, the process may perform evaluations or optional tests of the vehicle conditions to determine whether to implement the travel request 202 or to acknowledge or otherwise implement the travel request, 204, 206, 208, and 210, respectively.

For example, a process may require a truck to be stopped before recognizing a new driving request. This vehicle condition request may be implemented, for example, in response to receipt of a first type (travel request) signal (s) to limit the maximum amount of continuous running of the vehicle without stopping while under wireless remote control . In this regard, the controller 103 may determine at 204, for example, whether the truck is currently stopped, using feedback from an encoder or other suitable device to detect movement of the truck, for example. If the truck has not been stopped, the process may optionally wait until the truck is stopped, or the process may ignore the evaluation of whether or not to implement the received travel request, as indicated by dashed lines, Can be terminated.

Moreover, the process may require that the truck not only stop, but also that there is no movement of the truck for a predetermined period of time. Thus, for example, if the truck is stopped, the process may determine at 206 that a predetermined interval has elapsed after detecting that the truck has been stopped. If the predetermined interval has not elapsed, the process may wait until a predetermined interval has elapsed, or the process may ignore or otherwise terminate the processing of the received travel request, as indicated by dashed lines .

The process may also check for vehicle conditions, such as operational and / or environmental conditions, that will affect the operation of the truck in response to a remote driving request at 208. If the vehicle condition check (s) indicates that it is okay to process processing the received travel request, processing continues. Otherwise, the process may wait to resolve the condition, or the process may ignore or otherwise terminate the processing of the received travel request, as indicated by the dashed lines.

The operational and environmental conditions that may cause the process to ignore or otherwise refuse to implement a travel request from the remote control device 70 may include detecting an operator on the platform, To detect that the truck is in an area or location where wireless remote control is not allowed, such as at the end of corridors or at intersections, e.g. using the RFID tags described with reference to Figure 4, Detecting a lack of a pallet or other suitable carrier structure on the forks, detecting an invalid worker logging in to the truck and / or detecting that the truck has been paired with an unauthorized user, Those outside the range, for example too weak to indicate that the operator is outside the predetermined maximum range, It can be so strong that include factors such as detecting the like indicating that the operator is too close to the truck. Thus, the operator waits, clears the obstacle, and corrects the condition in a different manner before the truck is ready to respond to remote driving requests.

The process may also check at 210 that the steering angle of the truck is within a predetermined range of steering angles. If the truck's steered wheel (s) is rotated beyond a predetermined range, the steering angle can be corrected at 212. Alternatively, the system may default to a steered wheel to a predetermined position, for example, steered in a straight line, or the system may ignore the processing of the received travel request or otherwise terminate.

The truck is then moved forward at 214. For example, if each evaluated vehicle condition is satisfied by the controller as allowing remote driving, the controller causes the traction control system to advance the truck. The truck may also use a display such as, for example, a light source 68 and / or a strobe light 72, when the truck is traveling in response to wireless remote control commands, When activated, may sound a warning or provide audible or visual indicia of other forms. As other illustrative examples, a horn and / or other indication may be controlled by relays or other suitable switching devices to be activated simultaneously with the engagement of the traction motor during operation of the truck in response to the wireless remote control commands.

At 216, the process checks to determine if a predetermined pause event has occurred. For example, the process may check to determine whether an operator disables the travel control unit on the remote control device 70. [ When the drive control unit is deactivated, the truck stops by applying a brake, for example, by driving the vehicle, or by performing other suitable stop operations. The process may also check at 216, in response to the wireless remote control, whether a predetermined driving time, mileage or other similar event has elapsed in response to movement of the vehicle.

For example, the truck may be configured to drive a maximum distance of continuous travel in response to a single wireless remote control travel request. As another example, a truck may be configured to drive a maximum distance of continuous movement in response to repeated, sequential wireless remote control travel requests. An exemplary range may include a mileage limited to 25 to 50 feet (approximately 7.6 meters to 15.2 meters). As another example, the truck may be configured to run up to a predetermined maximum continuous running time.

Other exemplary stop events may include, for example, predefined travel restrictions, reception of a stop or disable command, detection of an obstacle in the travel path of the truck 10, detection of a person on the truck, Detection of a change in position of the vehicle, such as, for example, a pallet, a cage), mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, or hydraulic abnormal conditions of the truck. If the predetermined stop event is met at 216, the truck is controlled to stop at 218 or stop driving and the system is reset. If the worker issues a travel request from the radio control device 70 before the predetermined work is completed, the system can wait for the current work to be completed before issuing the next command.

According to various aspects of the present invention, the remote control device 70 is a wearable wireless remote control device worn by an operator interacting with a truck. Generally, a wearable wireless remote control device may include a button or switch communicatively coupled to a wireless transmitter and a travel controller, e.g., a wireless transmitter. As will be described in more detail below, the operation of the travel control causes the radio transmitter to transmit a first type signal that the truck may request to advance in a first direction. According to a particular embodiment, the wireless remote control device comprises a power pack, such as a battery, for powering the remote control device electronics, a control zone in which the drive control is located above the operator, for example over the operator's hand, The transmitter may further include a communication link between the transmitter and the control region physically spaced from the control region when worn by the transmitter.

Referring to FIG. 6, an exemplary garment 250 includes a gloved structure worn by an operator's hand. The illustrated garment 250 includes a first control area 252, a docking area 254 that supports a removable transmitter and power pack, and a circuitry 256 that interconnects the first control area 252 to the docking area. Communication link. As shown, the control area 252 includes buttons that are oriented on the side of the finger portion of the first control 258, e.g., garment 250. In the illustrative example, the button extends from the glove fingers through which the index finger of the truck operator extends when the garment 250 is properly worn. The button orientation provides the main surface of the button juxtaposed with the thumb of the truck operator. As will be described in greater detail below, this configuration allows a truck operator to reach and operate the first control 258 using their thumbs, thus allowing the operation of the remote control device 70 using a one- . Moreover, as will be described in greater detail below, this hand gesture may also be performed while performing work-related tasks such as capturing or carrying boxes, scanning devices, tools, and the like.

The docking area 254 includes a plurality of connection pads 260 that electrically couple to the first control area 252 via circuit 256. By way of example, circuit 256 may include flexible circuitry integrated into or otherwise concealed within the material configuration of garment 250. Circuitry 256 also supports one or more antennas 262. The docking area 254 is configured to accommodate a corresponding detachably mountable communication device 264. For example, the communication device 264 may include pads that couple to the contacts 260 in the docking area when the communication device 264 is properly docked within the garment 250. The communication device 264 may be hook and loop fastened, such as a hook and loop fabric or material, sold under the trade name Velcro® by Velcro Industries of Manchester, New Hampshire, USA, using magnetic forces or other suitable techniques. Can be snap-engaged, locked, and fixed using a sphere.

7A and 7B, the cover of the communication device 264 is configured to include components (shown in FIG. 7A) on the first surface of the circuit board of the communication device 264 and components 7B). ≪ / RTI > The communication device 264 may be a visual device for operating the carrier 270, e.g., a regulator circuit 272 for regulating the power used to operate the communication device 264 on its first side, (LEDs) that provide feedback, input components 276 such as switches, a processor 278 and a decision 280 or other suitable processor clocking circuitry (if required by a particular processor) And a double-sided printed circuit board. The carrier is mounted on its second side with a communication circuit 284 such as a battery 282, a transmitter, a receiver, a transceiver, etc., and a connection pad 264 of the docking area 254 when the communication device 264 is docked within the corresponding garment 250. [ Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > 286 < / RTI >

Display indicators 274 may be used to provide the operator with visual feedback on the status of the remote control system. For example, the first one of the indicators may be used as a fault condition indicator. For example, the LED may be turned on when the "start" button 258 is not connected, as if any one of the buttons were shorted or broken, as described in more detail below, Quot; X "code centered in the circle (best shown in FIG. 6) to indicate a fault condition, such as when there is no receiver ID paired with the transmitter. Another indicator 274 may be used to indicate a low battery as represented by the icon of the battery best shown in FIG. Other uses of the indicators may be implemented, and more than two indicators may be provided. The remote control device 70 may further include additional alarming elements such as display screens sounds or other features that provide visible and / or audible indication of the status of the remote and / or associated truck 10 .

The input components 276 may include, for example, two buttons. A first one of the buttons may correspond to a horn button. When the horn button is pressed, a corresponding message is sent to the receiver 102 on the truck 10 to sound the truck horn. The second button of the buttons may include an emergency release button. Pressing this button causes the emergency disconnect command to be transmitted to the receiver 102 on the truck 10. In response to receiving the emergency disconnect command, the truck 10 may be stopped or powered off, thus requiring the operator to restart the start-up procedure to restart the truck, as will be described in more detail herein below. do.

The transmitter in communication circuitry 284 may transmit information in analog or digital form using any dedicated or standardized wireless transmission formats. For example, the transmission may be one or more of 802.11, 802.16, Bluetooth, Short Message Service (SMS), Amplitude Shift Keying (ASK), On-Off Shift (OOK), Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) Such as cell phone technology such as modulation (AM), frequency modulation (FM), universal mobile communication system (UMTS), global system for mobile communication (GSM), and the like. In practice, the manner in which the transmitter transmits messages must correspond to a format recognizable by the corresponding receiver on the truck 10. Moreover, the communication circuit 284 of the remote control device 70 may also include its own receiver for bi-directional communication with the corresponding truck 10.

When the communication device 264 is appropriately docked on the corresponding garment 250, the remote control device 70 provides a convenient platform for enabling truck operators to remotely control their vehicles. For example, the user may actuate a "start" button 258, which is coupled to the processor 256 of communication device 264 via circuit 256 and corresponding contacts 260 and connection pads 286 278). The start button causes the processor 278 to format and transmit a drive request to advance the truck if it is determined that the drive request is received by the truck and is a valid command.

If it is determined that the driving request is properly received by the receiver 102 and is a valid driving request, the truck 10 is remotely controlled wirelessly to travel for a specified time and / or distance, as described in more detail herein , And then can enter the controlled braking or driving state. Button 258 may alternatively be operated as long as there is a sustained actuation of button 258 (or if the truck 10 has reached its maximum mileage, driving time, (E.g., until an intervention event occurs, such as < RTI ID = 0.0 > detecting < / RTI > The control area 252 and / or the communication device 264 may also optionally include steering and / or directional controls for providing commands to the truck to adjust the steering angle of the truck as described in more detail herein have.

An optional stop button may also be provided, for example, in the control area 252 and / or on the communication device 264 to stop the truck, which may be useful if the driving force function is implemented. If the stop command is properly received by the receiver 102, the truck 10 will be controlled to be a controlled stop. Alternatively, the optional additional button may correspond to a driving command to cause the truck 10 to travel and stop when properly received by the receiver 102 on the truck 10.

When any of the buttons on the remote control device 70 are pressed, the processor 278 formats the appropriate message and sends the final signal to the receiver 102 via the transmitter 284. In this regard, the processor 278 may be configured for the receiver 102 to log data with a history or other purposes, to authenticate workers, to discern that the particular remote control device 70 is a valid communication device, You can attach the required sequence, control or other identifying information, timestamp, channel indication or other data to the command.

Although the remote control device 70 is shown as an armor garment worn by an operator around a cuff or arm, other configurations may alternatively be implemented. Any one of the one or more controls, such as, for example, a transmitter, a power source, and / or a button 258, may be placed on any portion of the body that is comfortable, practical, or desirable, Can be worn together. For example, as shown, the garment 250 is worn by the corresponding worker. As such, each worker may have his own gloves including buttons 258, circuitry 256, and embedded antenna (s) 262. [ When the operator initiates the shift, the communication device 264 may be retrieved from the appropriate recharging station or other staging area and docked within the corresponding docking area 254.

A single transmitter can be reused with multiple instances of the garment 250 by separating the communication device 264 from the garment 250 and the corresponding button 258. As such, at different shifts, the operators maintain their own garments 250 that include fingers or hand-wearing controls, and only plug in the communication device within their garment 250 at the start of their shift You can dock. This also allows identification technologies such as radio frequency identification (RFID) tags to be incorporated with the garment 250, which information can then be transmitted to the truck 10. As such, the truck 10 may log operator, productivity and other relevant information during operation.

Referring to Figures 8A and 8B, remote button 258 can be easily reached and manipulated with the corresponding thumb of the operator, as schematically represented by directional arrows. This operation requires deliberate and easily achievable operation on the part of the operator to actuate the button 258. [ Moreover, the operating sequences may be required to actuate the button 258. For example, a rapid double-clicking, i.e., "double-click" may be required to operate the control as described herein. The remote control device 70 can be worn in this manner without the inconvenience of the truck operator's hand or using the both hands to interfere with the operator in other ways to collect items. Moreover, even when the operator's hands are currently engaged in the collection work, inconveniences such as requiring large limb movements such as difficult to reach or otherwise inaccessible to move or stop the truck 10 does not exist. As such, the operator can move or stop the truck 10 with both hands, even when carrying a piece of commodity such as boxes or the like using a single simple gesture.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the area 288 around the button 258 may include a raised / contoured collar. To actuate and / or select button 258, the operator must press button 258 in the direction of the illustrated arrow in the collar. As another optional configuration, the button 258 may require multidimensional operation before successful operation is transmitted. For example, the button 258 may be depressed and then laterally slid generally orthogonal to the direction of the button depression.

The garment 250 may be constructed from any number of materials, such as stretchable fabrics, plastics, composites, leather, or other materials, alone or in combination. Moreover, the various components of the remote control device 70 can be worn as an armband, as a belt or shirt clipped device, or by other means. Moreover, the communication link connecting the control region to the garment transmitter can optionally be implemented as a relatively thin wire that can be tethered to a retractable take-up reel.

Button 258 may be located below a spring loaded flip down member that can be manually flipped down to expose button 258. [ In addition, the button 258 may optionally be programmed to support multiple instructions. For example, the remote control device 70 may be configured to send a "stop" command when a single actuation of the button 258 is detected. Furthermore, the "drive" command may be sent if a double click or double action of button 258 is detected within a predetermined time period. Alternatively, rather than transmitting different types of signals corresponding to each requested command, e.g., stop, run, etc., the remote control device 70 may be configured to transmit the same number of " clicks " Where the controller 103 on the truck 10 is able to transmit, when receiving the signal instance (s), which commands are present in the received signal instances and / or current For example, whether the truck 10 is moving under the current wireless remote control or stops.

For example, a single click of a button on a remote control device 70 by an operator may cause a single instance of the signal to be transmitted to the truck 10 by the remote control device 70, The click may cause a double instance of the signal to be transmitted to the truck 10 by the remote control device 70. A single instance of the signal may cause the truck 10 to implement a stop function and a double instance of the signal may cause the truck 10 to implement the drive function as described herein, As described herein, the truck 10 may enable other predefined functions to be implemented.

As another example, when the controller 103 of the truck 10 receives one or more instances of a signal, it may evaluate vehicle conditions and implement a specific truck function based on the number of received signal instances and vehicle conditions. In this example, a single click of the button by the operator may cause a single instance of the signal to be transmitted to the truck 10 by the remote control device 70, and a double click of the button by the operator may cause the double instance of the signal to be remote To be transmitted to the truck (10) by the control device (70). A single instance of the signal may cause the truck 10 to implement a stop function if the truck 10 moves under radio remote control when the truck 10 receives the signal. A double instance of the signal may also cause the truck 10 to implement a stop function if the truck 10 moves under radio remote control when the truck 10 receives the signal. If the truck 10 is stopped when receiving the signal (s), a double instance of the signal may cause the truck 10 to implement the driving function, while a single instance of the signal may cause the truck 10 to perform the driving function (I.e., the truck 10 ignores the signal).

Alternatively, redundant running controls may be provided on communication device 264, which may be depressed independently or programmed to require simultaneous operation to move truck 10. As such, the communication device 264 can be worn on the operator's arm, in any readily accessible position, for example, just above the wrist or on a belt, shirt or pant, Lt; / RTI > may be tethered to a wire harness suitable for the button 258. < RTI ID = 0.0 > A short range wireless technology such as Bluetooth may also be used to enable the communication device 264 to communicate with the garment 250 and the corresponding button 258, (258).

The remote control device 70 can also be worn as a pendant around the worker's neck, for example, by looping the remote control device 70 through a suitable lanyard. Under this arrangement, the button 258 may include a pair of switches embodied as textured rubber surfaces on opposite sides of the remote control device 70. In this manner, the operator must press the remote control device 70 to operate the running control. By having two switches, simultaneous operation of both switches may be required. This also minimizes the interference of the operator and the remote control device 70 by allowing the transmitter, power pack, and controls to be integrated into a single housing thereby eliminating loose and uncomfortable wires and other structures, for example, to the operator. In order to operate the stop or stroke drive control, the operator can grip the pendant, for example, and pull the remote control device 70 downward in the direction. The downward force causes the transmitter to transmit a stop or hit drive command in accordance with a particular programming. The wearable remote control device 70 is worn by slipping the strap around the neck of the worker.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the remote control device 70 can be worn by using a suitable clip to clip the remote control device 70 to a shirt, belt, pants, vest, uniform or other part of the garment. This exemplary arrangement provides another monolithic device in which the transmitter and control regions are combined in a common housing. Moreover, the clip allows the operator to clip the remote control device 70 to any suitable portion of the garment on or around the operator or other suitable location. The clip may also be coupled to the strap to be worn around the neck of the worker. Because the generally rounded configuration and smooth configuration of the remote control device 70 can be worn in a manner that disposes the remote control device 70 in close proximity to the body of the remote worker, the relatively low profile " Design can be accepted.

According to another exemplary aspect of the present invention, the remote control device 70 may be implemented as a voice controlled transmitter. The remote control device 70 may be mounted to, for example, a chest strap, scabbard or other suitable device. The remote control device 70 further includes a microphone. The microphone may be rotated or otherwise adjusted to provide a resilient positioning of the microphone input for the operator. Voice activation is provided, but a duplicate stop or a power drive button may also be provided. This device provides a resilient arrangement of the remote control device 70 on the operator. Furthermore, the remote unit may be operated in a hands-free manner. The voice commands are preferably a simple set of commands.

When used in conjunction with the voice control system of the remote control device 70, operator voice commands such as travel, forward, striking, stopping, etc., are transmitted by the truck 10 at preset distances, for example, May be used to maintain the orientation set by the steering controller 112 (shown in FIG. 2) parallel to the steering wheel 122. Command words Driving, advancing, driving, stopping, etc. may be used to communicate with the traction motor controller 106 while the steering controller 112 is automatically calibrating itself to maintain a linear or other desired orientation. The remote control device 70 can allow the operator to also make minor adjustments to the orientation of the truck 10, for example, by allowing voice commands such as left or right to adjust the orientation of the truck 10. [ Here, the conversion of the voice commands to the control commands for the truck 10 can be performed within the processor of the remote control device 70 or within the controller 103 of the truck 10.

Another alternative configuration for the remote part includes variations on the finger-thumb activated button 258. [ Instead of a single button, two buttons are provided. The first and second buttons each include a first switch component and also share a common second switch component. In particular, the garment may include, for example, a first band or finger supporting the first switch component of the first button and the first switch component of the second button for receiving index finger of the truck operator, for example as recesses do. When the garment is worn, the first switch parts are oriented toward the side of the index finger of the operator. A first button abutment is generally provided along the base of the recess of the first switch component. Similarly, a second button contact is generally provided along the base of the recess of the second switch component.

Correspondingly, the garment includes a band that supports a common second switch component around the operator ' s thumb. The second switch component generally includes a common contact at the tip of the protrusion generally corresponding to the recesses of the first switch components of the first and second buttons. To operate the first button, a common contact on the operator's thumb is brought into intimate electrical contact with the first button contact, for example by inducing a projection of the second switch component into the recess of the first switch component. When the electrical contact is made between the first button contact and the common contact member, the operation of the corresponding control is achieved. Similarly, in order to operate the second button, the common contact on the operator's thumb can be brought into intimate electrical contact with the second button contact, for example by inducing a projection of the second switch component into the recess of the first switch component do. When the electrical contact is made between the second button contact and the common contact member, the operation of the corresponding control is achieved.

Any of the disclosed arrangements for the remote control device 70 may comprise steering compensation controls. For example, the remote control device 70 may include additional controls in the control area, such as a left steering button and a right steering button, in addition to the travel button and the optional stop or travel drive button. The remotely controllable steering correction amount will likely depend on a number of factors such as the environment of use, typical expected corrections, and the like. However, in one exemplary arrangement, small steering angle corrections of, for example, on the order of one degree or less may be implemented for each operation of the left and right steering controls.

Further, the remote control system can be integrated with the steering angle control section of the truck 10. [ The steering angle control section is typically implemented using a potentiometer, an encoder or other suitable input device, and may be located at any convenient location on the truck 10. When used in combination with additional steering controls, the steering angle control sets the desired orientation of the truck 10. By way of example, an operator can align the truck 10 in a corridor parallel to the rows of racks in the warehouse operation. Using angle sensitive feedback from the steering controller 112 (shown in FIG. 2), the orientation of the truck 10 can be kept parallel to the racks as the truck 10 moves along the corridor. The steering angle control thus prevents the drift of the truck 10 and maintains its path. Under this arrangement, a travel request from the remote control device 70 causes the truck 10 to travel in a substantially straight line along the orientation defined by the steering controller.

Systems implementing the jog control functionality described herein may implement additional advanced features to meet specific performance requirements. For example, the transmitters may have a "global stop" command to stop all the trucks 10 within the range of the transmitter operating under remote control. Thus, all receivers can be programmed or otherwise configured to recognize a stop command, e.g., using a global or common command sequence. Furthermore, the global stop command can be brought to the end by attaching the worker ID so that the identity of the worker issuing the global stop command can be identified.

In each of the illustrated exemplary systems, the antenna for the transmitter may be, for example, a Velcro, straps, bands, or other devices that are worn by an operator, located within the wiring between the transmitter box and controls, Can be located within the transmitter box woven into the garment by being integrated into other components associated with the transmitter.

Also, the transmitter may be directional. For example, the target may be provided on the truck 10, for example, as part of the receiver 102 or the antenna 66. Thus, the operator must indicate the transmitter of the remote control unit 70 at the target or toward the target so that the operation of the control unit, for example, the jog command, is received by the truck 10. [ Alternatively, certain instructions may be non-directional, while other controls are directional. For example, the global stop (if provided) may not need detection by the target to be validated. On the other hand, the control unit for initiating the jog operation may be required to be detected by a suitable target. Targeted detection may be accomplished using, for example, infrared or other suitable techniques.

Numerous exemplary configurations of the remote control described herein are provided as an illustration, rather than a limitation, as to how the remote control can be configured. The various described features may be mixed in any desired configuration. Moreover, additional features may be provided in addition to or instead of the features described herein. Further, the components including the truck, the remote control system, and / or the remote control device 70 may include any additional and / or alternative features or implementations,

U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 825,688, filed on September 14, 2006, entitled " SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF REMOTELY CONTROLLING A MATERIALS HANDLING VEHICLE " U.S. Patent Application No. 11 / 855,310, filed on September 14, 2007, entitled SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF REMOTELY CONTROLLING A MATERIALS HANDLING VEHICLE, US Provisional Application No. 61 / 222,632, filed on July 2, 2009, entitled " APPARATUS FOR REMOTELY CONTROLLING A MATERIALS HANDLING VEHICLE ", entitled " MULTIPLE US Patent Application No. 12 / 631,007, filed on December 4, 2009, entitled " ZONE SENSING FOR MATERIALS HANDLING VEHICLES ", entitled " MULTIPLE ZONE SENSING FOR REMOTELY CO Quot; NTROLLED MATERIALS HANDLING VEHICLES ", filed on December 4, 2008, entitled "STEER CORRECTION FOR A REMOTELY OPERATED MATERIALS HANDLING VEHICLE " &Quot; APPARATUS FOR REMOTELY CONTROLLING A MATERIALS HANDLING VEHICLE ", filed on August 18, 2009, entitled " APPARATUS FOR REMOTELY CONTROLLING A MATERIALS HANDLING VEHICLE & U.S. Patent Application No. 12 / 649,738, filed on December 30, 2009, entitled STEER CORRECTION FOR A REMOTELY OPERATED MATERIALS HANDLING VEHICLE, No. 649,815, entitled " SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF REMOTELY CONTROLLING A MATERIALS HANDLING VEHICLE ", filed on January 21, 2011, entitled " SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF REMOTELY CONTROLLING A MATERIALS HANDLING VEHICLE " , No. 13 / 033,169 filed on February 23, 2011, entitled " OBJECT TRACKING AND STEER MANUVERS FOR MATERIALS HANDLING VEHICLES ", entitled " U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 272,337, filed October 13, 2011, entitled " STEER CONTROL MANUVERS FOR MATERIALS HANDLING VEHICLES ", entitled " International Patent Application No. PCT / US09 / 66789 filed on December 4, 2009 entitled " MULTIPLE ZONE SENSING FOR MATERIALS HANDLING VEHICLES ", entitled "APPARATUS FOR International Patent Application No. PCT / US09 / 69839, filed on December 30, 2009, entitled " STEER CORRECTION FOR A REMOTELY OPERATED MATERIALS HANDLING VEHICLE " International Patent Application No. PCT / US09 / 69833, filed on December 30, 2009, entitled " SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF REMOTELY CONTROLLING A MATERIALS HANDLING VEHICLE " International Patent Application No. PCT / US07 / 78455, filed on September 14, 2007, entitled " SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF REMOTELY CONTROLLING A MATERIALS HANDLING VEHICLE " International Patent Application No. PCT / US12 / 022011, filed on January 20, 2012, entitled " ELECTRICAL STEERING ASSIST FOR MATERIAL HANDLING VEHICLE " No. 7,017,689, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Referring to FIG. 9, a method 300 of synchronizing a remote control to a truck is shown. The truck operator searches 302 for the communication device from the staging area. The staging area may include common storage locations for unused communication devices, battery recharging stations, and the like. The truck operator can then connect and retrieve the corresponding retrieved communication device with their corresponding remote control device garment at 304 by snapping the communication device into the docking area of their gloves as described in more detail herein, . If the operator has not done so in advance, the garment is also worn by the operator.

The truck operator then initiates at 306 a power connection sequence to enable the truck for operation, i.e., the operator starts the truck. When the truck is started, the operator may be required to provide the logon identification code to the truck. This identification may be provided, for example, by using a key fob to provide a logon ID to the truck by entering a personal identification number (PIN) number in the control panel of the truck, or the operator ' May be encoded into a memory device such as an RFID chip integrated into a remote control device worn by an operator. Under this arrangement, the communication device attached to the garment can sense the PIN number through the contacts and pads and can transmit the operator's PIN number to the device on the truck or truck, for example the RFID reader on the truck You can sense the worker ID code by guiding the garment to the vicinity of the truck.

The operator then enters the pairing mode with the truck at 308. It is possible that there may be multiple trucks and / or transmitters in the same vicinity using wireless remote control in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. As such, the display on the truck may list or otherwise indicate the identification codes of all transmitters it senses. The operator reviews the listed transmitter identification codes and selects at 310 the corresponding to the docked communication device in the operator's remote control device garment. For example, the communication device may include a sticker, a label tag or other indication that provides the transmitter identification code by providing the transmitter identification code on the side of the communication device, for example.

The system then synchronizes the transmitter of the remote control device worn by the operator to the receiver on the corresponding truck at 312. For example, the controller 103 on the truck can prompt the user to press a known key sequence on the remote control device 70 by, for example, simultaneously pressing the horn and emergency release buttons. This operation causes the system to perform any desired validation, e.g., that the buttons associated with the remote control device are in the operating sequence. Once synchronized, the system can provide such visual indication, for example, by displaying a message on the truck indicating that synchronization is complete.

In accordance with the information required for a particular application of the various aspects of the present invention, three distinct operating identifications can be associated, including unique operator identification, unique identification of communication devices, and unique identification of trucks. This information may be useful, for example, to validate commands received by a receiver on a truck, log data for subsequent analysis, and log productivity, truck performance, and the like.

Referring to FIG. 10, a method 320 for a truck operator to initiate a shift using a remote control in accordance with various aspects of the present invention is shown. The truck operator obtains the communication device from the appropriate storage area at 322. As in the previous example, the communication devices may be stored in a battery charging station or the like. The truck operator loads the communication device within the garment at 324. The communication device then begins to transmit the pairing mode confidence tone at 326. [ For example, the confidence tone may include repeatedly transmitting a message including the transmitter identification. In this regard, the transmitter identification code being transmitted may correspond to a transmitter identification code recorded on the communication device or otherwise known to the truck operator.

The truck operator starts the truck at 328, which may include logging in to the truck as described in more detail above. The truck operator may then enter the pairing mode at 330 to synchronize the receiver of the truck to the particular transmitter detected by the truck operator. During the pairing operation, the receiver on the truck collects all of the confidence tones within the range at 332 and lists the tones by, for example, the transmitter identification code on the appropriate display. In one exemplary example, the display may prioritize transmitter identification codes located by signal strength or by any other suitable means. The truck operator selects at 334 a transmitter identification code that matches the transmitter code associated with the communication device that was retrieved and loaded into their remote control device garment. The transmitter identification code selected by the operator is stored in the truck, for example, in the memory of the controller on the truck.

The controller on the truck sends a message to the docked communication device in the truck operator's remote control device garment that contains the unique truck receiver identification code and / or other information that may be stored in the memory of the communication device worn by the operator at 336 can do. The transmitter and receiver then synchronize at 338, for example, as described above. For example, the truck operator may be prompted to press a particular sequence of controls on the remote control device. In response to detecting the operation of the requested control (s) and / or control sequence, the communication device is operated to perform synchronization of the receiver on the truck with the transmitter identification code, the receiver identification code and the remote control device worn by the operator And send a message to the receiver on the truck identifying the requested control (s) and / or code corresponding to the control sequence.

In this regard, the controller in the truck can associate the transmitter identification code with the operator identification code that was provided to the truck controller by the operator as part of the logon operation required to start the truck. The controller may also associate an identification code associated with the truck / receiver. In this way, the truck / receiver identification code, the remote control identification code and the operator identification code are uniquely associated. The controller in the truck can use this three-way linkage to discern the received commands. Moreover, the remote control device also stores other optional information such as information about the truck to be synchronized and / or an operator identification code that may be used, for example, to format and transmit the information.

Referring to FIG. 11, after performing work operations, the truck operator may need to temporarily leave the truck, for example, to take a break. A method 350 is shown for stopping, restarting, and resynchronizing the truck receiver and transmitter of a communication device worn by a truck operator. The truck worker powers off the truck at 352, for example, to take lunch breaks. After a predetermined time, the truck operator again powers the truck at 354. During this break, the transmitter in the remote control device worn by the operator may continue to transmit its synchronized confidence tone identifying the transmitter identification code and the corresponding truck / receiver identification code. The synchronized confidence tone transmitted by the transmitter in the communication device worn by the truck operator is detected at 356 because the linkage of the transmitter identification code to the receiver / truck identification code is stored in the memory on the truck.

The truck controller may also be used by the truck operator to acknowledge the system at 358, for example, by providing some other authentication means to verify that the current worker is the same worker who used the truck before the break, or by entering their PIN code . If the entered worker identification code as the part of the acknowledgment operation authenticates the worker identification code stored in the memory of the truck as the worker who used the truck before the break, the pairing is confirmed at 360 and displayed.

For example, a controller in a truck can maintain the aforementioned three-way linkage of identification codes, i.e., truck / receiver identification code, remote control identification code, and operator identification code, even when the truck is powered down. Thus, when another worker arrives, the worker can not use the truck's remote radio control unit, even if the new worker owns the previous worker's transmitter, because the new worker does not have the previous worker's identification code. Similarly, if a new worker starts a truck and enters a new worker identification code as part of the truck start-up process, the wireless remote run requests issued by the new worker are not preserved because the three-way identification is not preserved, Will not be synchronized to the receiver on the truck, and therefore will not be acknowledged by the controller on the truck.

Rather, in order for a new user to successfully use the wireless remote control features of the truck, the new operator must log into the truck using their worker identification code and, using, for example, the methods described herein, A new pairing mode synchronization process should be used to synchronize the transmitter of the new operator to the receiver of the truck.

Referring to FIG. 12, a more detailed method 370 is shown for temporarily powering off a truck, restarting a truck, and resynchronizing a transmitter worn by a receiver in a truck and a truck operator. The truck operator powers off the truck at 372, for example taking a break. When the truck is powered off, the timer associated with the controller on the truck begins at 374. During an interval when the truck is powered off, the transmitter on the communication device worn by the truck operator continues to transmit its synchronized confidence tone at 376. For example, since the transmitter is pre-synchronized with the truck receiver, the confidence tone may include a message that includes both the transmitter identification code as well as the truck / receiver identification code. The truck is powered again at 378. Once the power is reconnected, the receiver on the truck begins to search at 380 for a corresponding confidence tone that matches the transmitter identification code previously stored in the memory.

If the synchronized confidence tone is detected within the time limit specified in 282, the pairing is maintained. If a confidence tone is detected outside a specified time limit, the truck operator may be required to resynchronize using the startup procedure, for example, as described in the example described with reference to Figures 9 and 10. [ If the pairing is maintained, the transmitter identification code may be detected at 384 by receiving a predetermined message from the remote control device's transmitter, e.g., a resynchronization acknowledgment. The truck operator may also be required to acknowledge the truck system at 386, for example by providing an operator identification code at the truck, and the pairing information is completed at 388, for example by marking the truck operator with a confirmation.

Under this arrangement, if another user attempts to take the truck 10, the new user will have to erase and resynchronize the truck receiver to the new transmitter identification code of the remote control device worn by the new operator. However, if a new worker attempts to do so, the truck 10 may selectively refuse to respond to remote commands of the new worker, for example, if the truck is taller than the worker identification code. As such, a new worker may be required to initiate a wireless remote control pairing sequence as well as a full truck power connection, in which case the worker identification code of the new worker may be logged by the truck 10.

When the designated time period expires, the pairing information stored in the memory of the truck may be erased, for example, by deleting the linkage between the receiver identification code and the transmitter identification code. Similarly, when the communication device is removed from the corresponding docking area of the garment and returned to its storage location, for example a recharging station, the memory in the tangible device corresponding to the pairing information can be deleted. For example, when the communication device is removed from the garment and loaded into the recharger or other docking device, the receiver identification code and / or other information previously stored in the memory of the communication device based on the information received from the truck controller, Lt; / RTI > Moreover, this information can be downloaded to the corresponding business enterprise. This arrangement may be advantageous if, for example, the communication devices are shared among the users' communities.

According to other aspects of the invention, the individual communication devices may be assigned to specific truck operators as an alternative to having a "pool" of available transmitters. For example, assume that a truck operator powers off a truck. In response to power interruption, the timer begins execution. At this time, the pairing information is still stored in the memory. After a specified time interval, the pairing information is erased from memory in the truck. It is assumed that the truck operator docks the communication device to the garment for an extended period of time. After a certain period of inactivity, the communication device may enter a sleep mode where, for example, another timer starts during the idle mode. During this time, the pairing information is stored in the memory, and the communication device continues to transmit the confirmation tone. During the power cut-off mode, the pairing information is held. However, the communication device stops transmitting the acknowledgment tone. After the third designated time delay expires, the receiver identification code is erased from the memory of the communication device.

13, an exemplary implementation of a remote control device 70 includes a transmitter 1302, a power pack 1304, a control structure 1306 and a communication link 1306 between the transmitter 1302 and the control structure 1306 1308). Transmitter 1302 can transmit analog or digital form information using any suitable wireless transmission means, including standard or proprietary formats. For example, the transmission may be one or more of 802.11, 802.16, Bluetooth, Short Message Service (SMS), Amplitude Shift Keying (ASK), On-Off Shift (OOK), Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) Such as cell phone technology such as modulation (AM), frequency modulation (FM), universal mobile communication system (UMTS), global system for mobile communication (GSM), and the like. In practice, the manner in which the transmitter 1302 transmits messages must correspond to a format recognizable by the corresponding receiver 102 (FIG. 2) on the truck 10 (FIG. 1). Moreover, the remote control device 70 may also include its own receiver for bidirectional communication with the corresponding truck 10.

Control structure 1306 includes controls that instruct transmitter 1302 to send the appropriate command. In the example shown in FIG. 13, there are two controls implemented as switches or buttons. The first button 1310 corresponds to a travel command that causes the transmitter 1302 to transmit a travel command when activated. If the run command is properly received by the receiver 102, the truck 10 will be controlled to run forward. Alternatively, the first button 1310 may include a "start" button that commands the truck 10 to travel for a specified time and / or distance and then enter a controlled braking or bumpy ride. The first button 1310 may alternatively provide a drive as long as the maintained operation of the first button 1310 is present. Control structure 1306 may also optionally include steering and / or directional controls as described herein.

The second button 1312 corresponds to a stop command which, when activated, causes the transmitter 1032 to transmit a stop command. If the stop command is properly received by the receiver 102, the truck 10 will be controlled to be a controlled stop. Alternatively, the second button 1312 may correspond to a driving force command to cause the truck 10 to travel and stop when properly received by the receiver 102 on the truck 10.

When either one of the first or second buttons 1310, 1312 is pressed, the transmitter 1302 formats the appropriate message and transmits the final signal to the receiver 102. In this regard, the transmitter 1302 may be configured to communicate with the receiver 102, such as to authenticate workers, to log data for history or other purposes, to discern whether the particular remote control device 70 is a valid communication device, Control, or other identifying information, timestamps, channel indications, or other data needed for the command.

The first and second buttons 1310 and 1312 are incorporated into the appropriate finger garment 1314 illustrated as including a first finger segment band 1316, a second finger segment band 1318, and a bridge 1320 . The first finger segment band 1316 supports the first button 1310 to implement the move command. The signal (s) from the first button 1310 travels along a first signal carrying wire extending through the bridge segment 1320 to the communication link 1308 via the second finger segment band 1318, And a second signal transfer wiring integrated with or coupled to the first signal transfer wiring.

Any suitable technique may be used to communicatively couple the transmitter 1302 to the control structure 1306, although the communication link 1308 is illustrated as a wired connection. 13 illustrates that the transmitter 1302 and the power pack 1304 are worn by the operator around the wrist or arm. However, the transmitter 1302 and power pack 1304 may be comfortable, practical, or otherwise worn separately or together on any portion of the body, as specified by the particular application. For example, as shown, the transmitter 1302 and the power pack 1304 are attached to an operator's wrist or arm using a flexible and adjustable band 1321. The arm band 1321 can be easily removed from the transmitter 1302 and the power pack 1304 so that a person or a new arm band 1321 can be used by each operator.

By separating transmitter 1302 from control structure 1306 and combining both by communication link 1308, signal transmitter 1302 can be reused with multiple instances of control structure 1306. For this reason, for example, workers on different shifts may maintain their proprietary control structures 1306, for example, via finger or hand-worn controls, and merely keep them at the beginning of the shift with corresponding transmitters 1302 ). ≪ / RTI > This allows further integration of the first and second buttons 1310, 1312 and radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, where information can be subsequently transmitted to the truck 10. For this reason, the truck 10 can log operator, productivity and other relevant information during operation.

Thus, the remote control device 70 forms a wearable control device that is worn by an operator interacting with the truck 10. The exemplary remote control device 70 includes a flexible band 1321 that is supported on an operator's arm or wrist and an index finger 1321 that is attached to the index finger 1320 so that the first and second buttons 1310 and 1312 are oriented towards the thumb of the operator. And a finger garment 1314 positioned on top of the finger garment.

The remote control device 70 according to this embodiment minimizes the number and size of articles mounted on the fingers / hands of the operator and the control structure 1306 according to these embodiments is the only one mounted on the operator's fingers / Structure. Thus, the interference caused by the remote control device 70 with operator work functions such as grasping, carrying and arranging the articles is reduced. In addition, although the remote control device 70 according to the present embodiment is particularly suited for high temperature environments, i.e., particularly suitable for high temperature environments because the worker's sweats caused by finger / hand mounted components are reduced, The remote control device 70 according to the present embodiment can also be mounted on a glove so that the remote control device 70 may also be particularly suitable for a low temperature environment. Moreover, the remote control device 70 according to the present embodiment can be designed as a "one-size-fit-all" device, i.e., capable of accommodating workers having hands of different sizes, Or left-handed workers.

14 and 15, the first and second buttons 1310 and 1312 of the control structure 1306 of the remote control device 70 are connected to the operator's response 1302, as schematically indicated by the directional arrow 1322. [ It can be easily reached and manipulated with the thumb. This action requires careful but easily achievable action in a portion of the operator to actuate either the first or second button 1310, 1312. Also, task sequences may be required to activate a specific command for the truck 10 or to activate the first and / or second buttons 1310, 1312 as described herein. By way of example, a rapid double-pressing, i. E. A "double click" may be required to activate control or to transmit a signal to the truck 10.

Referring to FIG. 15A, as an optional configuration, either or both of the first and second buttons 1310 or 1312 may require multidimensional operation before successful operation is delivered. By way of example, buttons 1310 and 1312 may require that they be pressed and then laterally laterally orthogonal to the direction of the button press.

16, the remote control device 70 can be worn in such a way that it does not interfere with the operator (O _P ) who uses both hands to catch the items in an uncomfortable or otherwise uncomfortable manner. Also, even when currently connected to the action of the hands of the operator (O _P ), it may be necessary to have large limb movements to move or stop the truck 10, or to have difficulty reaching the controls or otherwise inaccessible There is no such inconvenience. For this reason, the operator (O _P ) can move or stop the truck (10) even when transporting the articles held by both hands.

17, the control structure 1306 of the remote control device 70 according to another embodiment of the present invention includes first and second buttons 1310 and 1312 (only the first button 1310 is shown in FIG. 17 May include a raised / contoured collar 1330 around each of them. In order to actuate and / or select one of the first or second buttons 1310, 1312, the operator must press down in the direction of arrow 1332.

The finger garments 1314 can be constructed from any number of materials, such as stretchable fibers, plastic, composites, leather or other materials, alone or in combination. 17 illustrates that the first finger segment band 1316, the second finger segment band 1318 and the bridge 1320 (only the finger segment band 1316 is illustrated in FIG. 17) Member flexible band comprised of a material that is inflated during wear to fit various finger sizes. 18, in another alternative embodiment, the first finger segment band 1316 and the second finger segment band 1318 are adjustable, for example, from Velcro Industries BV, Netherlands. And may include latchable or hookable fabrics or materials such as the proprietary Velcro®.

Referring now to Figures 19A-19D, another exemplary arrangement is illustrated. The remote control device 70 includes a single button 1334. Button 1334 may be programmed to support multiple commands. By way of example, the remote control device 700 may be configured to send a "stop" command if a single actuation of the button 1334 is detected. Also, a "move" command may be sent if a double click or double action of button 1334 is detected within a predetermined time period. Alternatively, the same signal of a single or multiple instances may be transmitted by the remote control device 70 based on the number of "clicks " performed by the operator, wherein the controller 103 Determines which command to operate, if present, based on the current vehicle conditions and / or the number of received signals, as described above. The transmitter 1302 and the power pack 1304 can be worn as an armband, belt or shirt clip attachment device or by other means. In addition, the communication link 1308 can be implemented as a relatively thin wire that can be selectively tethered onto the retractable take-up reel 1336 as best seen in Fig. 19D.

20, there is illustrated a control structure 1306 that includes two sections 1338, 1340 hinged around a hinge point 1342, and a spring member (not shown) 1338, 1340). ≪ / RTI >

21A and 21B, another exemplary remote control device 70 is illustrated. As shown, the control structure 1306 is clipped onto two adjacent fingers of the operator. Because of this, the control structure 1306 can be easily adapted to right-handed or left-handed workers without any modifications. By way of example, communication link 1308 may be configured to be "flipped" to the opposite side of control structure 1306 by a 180 degree rotation so that control structure 1306 may be adapted for left- Let's do it. Like the previous exemplary remote control devices 70, the controls can also be operated in a one-handed position when carrying lifted items, such as boxes or the like.

As shown, the move button 1310 is positioned adjacent the spring-loaded flip-down member 1344, which can be manually flipped down to expose the move button 1310. 21B, the casing 1346 for the transmitter 1302 may also include additional controls. These buttons may be used to trigger the truck 10 to either immediately sound the horn or otherwise provide an audible and / or visual cue to stop and / or terminate the automatic jog operation or perform other desired functions. Alternatively, these control units may implement redundant movement controls 1348, which may be independently programmed to require simultaneous operation to be depressed or to move truck 10. Further, an additional button 1350 is illustrated, which can be used, for example, as either a stop button or a power running button. For this reason, the casing 1346 can be worn in an easily accessible position such as being clipped to a belt, shirt, or pants using the clip 1352. In addition, the communication link 1308 may be retracted into the transmitter 1302 when the control structure 1306 is not worn by an operator.

 22A and 22B, another exemplary remote control device 70 is illustrated. As shown, the transmitter 1302 is integrated with the control structure 1306 to avoid the need for the communication link 1308 illustrated in the previous examples. As illustrated, an adjustable strap 1354 is used to support the remote control device 70 around the palm / wrist area of the operator.

Referring to Figures 23 and 24, exemplary embodiments are illustrated and the remote control device 70 is worn to be supported on the operator's arm, for example, directly over the wrist. These remote control devices 70 may be used for two-way communication with lighted diodes (LEDs), illuminated lights, display screens, sound generating devices or, for example, a remote control device 70 with associated truck 10 Such as other features that provide visual and / or audible cues for the state of the remote and / These remote control devices 70 are worn by the operator by sliding the appropriate support structure 1358 over the arm, wrist and / or hand. A structure including the alarm elements 1356 and buttons 1310 and 1312 of the remote control device 70 may be subsequently attached to the support structure 1358 or may be attached to the remote control devices 70, A structure including a button 1356 and buttons 1310 and 1312 may already be attached to the support structure 1358. [ By having the remote control device 70 in the illustrated positions, a two-handed operation is required to access the move buttons 1310 and the stop or hit driving buttons 1312, which may be desirable in some applications .

25A-25C, another exemplary remote control device 70 is illustrated. As shown, the controls are finger-thumb activated. Each of the first and second buttons 1310 and 1312 includes first switch components 1310A and 1312A, respectively. Each of the first switch components 1310A, 1312A may be operated by a common second switch component 1313. [ In particular, the remote control device 70 includes a first band 1321, which is provided as a finger garment, which, in recesses on the side of the operator's index finger, (1312A) and the first switch component (1310A) of the first button (1310). The first switch component includes a first housing including a recess and a first button contact (1315) located within the recess. Similarly, the second switch component includes a second housing including a recess and a second button contact 1317 located within the recess.

Correspondingly, the garment includes a second band 1323 that supports a common second switch component 1313 around the operator ' s thumb. The second switch component 1313 generally includes a common contact 1319 at the tip of the protrusion generally corresponding to the shape of the recesses of the first and second housings of the first switch components 1310A and 1312A (See Figs. 25A and 25C). The common contact 1319 on the operator's thumb may be moved to the second switch component 1313, for example, into the recess of the first housing of the first switch component 1310A, So that the first button contact portion 1315 is tightly electrically connected. When the electrical contact is formed between the first button contact 1315 and the common contact member 1319, the operation of the corresponding control is achieved. Similarly, in order to actuate the second button 1312, the common contact 1319 on the operator's thumb may be moved into the recess of the second housing of the first switch component 1312A, for example, The second button contact portion 1317 is tightly electrically connected by guiding the protrusion of the second button portion 1313. [ When the electrical contact portion is formed between the second button contact portion 1317 and the common contact member 1319, the operation of the corresponding control is achieved. Although it is disclosed in this embodiment that a close electrical connection is required between the first and second button contacts 1315 and 1317 and the common contact 1319 on the thumb to actuate the respective controls, The use of structures is also contemplated and the common contact 1319 on the thumb only needs to be very close proximity to the first and second button contacts 1315, 1317 to actuate the respective controls.

Figures 26 to 28 illustrate a remote control device 70 according to another aspect of the present invention. The remote control device 70 may be worn to be supported on an operator's arm, wrist and / or hand. The remote control device 70 according to this aspect of the present invention is worn by the operator by sliding the strap 1452 coupled to the support structure 1454 of the device 70 on the operator's arm or wrist.

Support structure 1454 houses removable radio transmitter / power packs 1402 and 1404 as described herein. The support structure 1454 may also be configured to communicate in two directions with light emitting diodes (LEDs), illuminated lights, display screens, sound generating devices, or, for example, a remote control device 70 with associated truck 10 Such as other features that provide visual and / or audible cues for the status of the remote control device 70 and / or the associated truck 10 when possible. The support structure 1454 further includes connectors 1458 for connection to other functional elements, such as truck horn buttons and / or brake buttons, i.e., similar to the second button 1312 described in the above embodiment do.

The remote control device 70 includes a control structure 1406 that includes a stiffness control device 1460 and a three-dimensional (3D) type structure between the control structure 1406 and the transmitter / power packs 1402, 1404 housed within the support structure 1454. [ And a flexible communication link (1408). In the illustrated embodiment, the communication link 1408 is a detachable (or detachable) connection between the control structure 1406 and the support structure 1454 to provide electrical communication between the wireless transmitter / power packs 1402 and 1404 and the control device 1460. [ Provides a wired connection. A single transmitter / power pack 1402, 1404 can be reused with multiple instances of control structures 1406 by separating support structure 1454 from control structure 1406 via communication link 1408 . For this reason, for example, the operators on different shifts may maintain their proprietary control structures 1406, for example, through the finger wearing controls, and merely put them at the beginning of the shift into the corresponding support structure 1454 Plug connection.

The control device 1460 is configured to be mounted, for example, to an operator's hand on one or more fingers of an operator. A control device 1460 including a single button 1410 in accordance with this aspect of the invention communicates with a transmitter / power pack 1402, 1404 via a communication link 1408. By having the remote control device 70 in the illustrated position, it is allowed to access the button 1410 in a one-handed operation, which button 1410 is operable to transmit the first type signal including the movement request signal to the truck And may also be used to selectively transmit a second type signal that includes a stop or a driving force request to the truck as described herein.

The button 1410 of the remote control device 70 can be easily reached and operated with the corresponding thumb of the operator. This action may require careful but easily achievable action on a portion of the operator to operate the button 1410. [ Also, operational sequences may be required to operate button 1410. [ As an example, a rapid double-clicking, that is, a "double-click" may be required to operate the control as a move request. Also, a "double-click" may be required if no vehicle-related activities, such as movement of the truck 10, wireless commands required by the operator, etc., . Further, a "double-click" may be required for a first wireless command requested by an operator after an operator leaves the truck 10, for example, as detected by the presence sensor (s) have.

The remote control device 70 can be worn in such a way that it does not interfere with the operator who is uncomfortable with the hands of the trucker or otherwise grips the goods with both hands. There is also no inconvenience, such as controls that require large limb movements to move or stop the truck 10, or are difficult to reach or otherwise inaccessible, even when the operator's hands are currently used for lifting operations Do not. For this reason, the operator can stop or move the truck 10 even when carrying the same items such as boxes with both hands using a single simple gesture.

Any of the disclosed configurations for the remote control device 70 may be integrated with the steering angle control of the truck 10 and / or may comprise steering compensation controls. The steering angle control is typically implemented using a potentiometer, an encoder or other suitable input device, and may be located at any convenient location on the truck 10. When used in combination with additional steering controls, the steering angle control sets the desired direction of travel for the truck 10. By way of example, an operator can align the truck 10 in a passage parallel to the row of racks during warehouse operation. By using angle sensing feedback as described herein, the direction of travel of the truck 10 can be maintained parallel to the racks as the truck 10 moves down the aisle. Therefore, the steering angle control section prevents the drift of the truck 10 and maintains the course. In this arrangement, a move command from the remote control device 70 causes the truck 10 to move in a substantially straight line along the direction of travel defined by the steering controller 112.

A system that implements the jog control functions described herein may implement additional progressive features to meet specific performance requirements. As an example, the transmitters may have a "generic stop" command to shut down all the trucks 10 within the range of the transmitter operating under remote control. Thus, all receivers can be programmed or otherwise configured to recognize a stop command, for example, using a generic or common command sequence.

In each illustrated exemplary embodiment, the antenna of the transmitter may be, for example, a velcro, straps, bands, or other configuration worn by the operator, in connection with the transmitter, located in the wiring between the transmitter box and the controls, By incorporating an antenna in the elements, it can be located in the transmitter box woven into the garment.

Also, the transmitter may be directional. By way of example, the target may be provided on the truck 10, for example, as part of the receiver 102 (FIG. 2) or the antenna 66 (FIG. 1). Thus, the operator must direct the transmitter of the remote control 70 toward or towards the target so that the operation of the controller, e.g., a jog command, is received by the truck 10. [ Alternatively, certain instructions may be non-directional, while other controls are directional. By way of example, a comprehensive stop (if provided) may not require detection by the target to be performed. On the other hand, the control for starting the jog operation may need to be detected by an appropriate target. The targeted detection can be accomplished, for example, using infrared or other suitable techniques.

29 and 30, a material handling vehicle 2010 according to another aspect of the present invention includes a cargo handling assembly 2012, a worker's compartment 2013, and a power unit 2014. The cargo handling assembly 2012 includes a pair of forks 2016 and each fork 2016 has a rod support wheel assembly 2018. The cargo handling assembly 2012 may include other cargo handling features instead of or in addition to the illustrated arrangement of the forks 2016, such as a load backrest, scissor-type lifting forks, outriggers, and separate height- A load platform, a collection cage or other support structure that is supported by the fork 2016 or otherwise provided for handling the load supported and carried by the vehicle 2010 have.

As shown in FIGS. 29 and 30, the vehicle 2010 includes a pair of second obstacle detectors 2052A and 2052B mounted on a power unit 2014 and a first obstacle detector 2050. The second obstacle detectors 2052A and 2052B are spaced from each other along the horizontal axis H _A of the vehicle forming the horizontal direction (see FIG. 30). The first obstacle detector 2050 is spaced from the second obstacle detectors 2052A and 2052B along the longitudinal axis V _A of the vehicle 2010 forming the vertical direction, i.e., the second obstacle detectors 2052A , 2052B are located below the first obstacle detector 2050, i.e., closer to the ground (see FIG. 29).

The first obstacle detector 2050 according to this aspect of the invention includes, by way of example, a sweeping laser sensor capable of detecting objects in the first, second and third zones Z ₁ , Z ₂ , Z ₃ , Which may include first, second and third zones Z ₁ , Z ₂ , Z ₃ (see Figures 29 and 30). A second zone (Z ₂₎ can include a "stop section", the first and third zones (Z _1, Z ₃₎ is the title of the invention, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety already herein is The left and right steering bumper zones and the left and right steering bumper zones as described in U. S. Patent Application No. 12 / 649,815, filed December 30, 2009, entitled " Steering Correction for Remotely Operated Material Handling Vehicles &Quot; zones ". The first obstacle detector 2050 can detect objects in additional or fewer zones than the _three zones Z ₁ , Z ₂ , Z ₃ illustrated.

The second obstacle detector according to this aspect of the invention (2052A, 2052B) includes one or more zones (Z _1, Z _2, Z ₃₎ and between the vehicle (2010), i.e., one as illustrated in Figure 29 And may include point laser sensors capable of detecting objects under the above zones Z ₁ , Z ₂ , Z ₃ , and preferably capable of detecting objects under at least a second zone Z ₂ . Thus, the second object detectors 2052A and 2052B can detect objects located in the non-detection zone DZ of the first obstacle detector 2050 (see FIG. 29), that is, ) it is formed as a region below the zone (Z _1, Z _2, Z _3), and, thus, the first is not detected by the obstacle detector 2050. Thus, the first obstacle detector 2050 functions to detect objects located beyond the non-detection zone DZ and along the travel path of the power unit 2014, and the second obstacle detectors 2052A, 29 to detect objects along the movement path of the power unit 2014 in the non-detection zone DZ located immediately in front of the vehicle 2010 as shown in Fig.

31 and 32, there is shown an exemplary wearable wireless remote control device 3000 of an auxiliary remote control system for a material handling vehicle according to another aspect of the present invention. The wireless remote control device 3000 according to this aspect of the present invention includes a garment 3002 that includes a glove 3001 that is worn in the hands of an operator. The illustrated garment 3002 includes three sides 3002 of the first frame structure 3003 so that an inlet 3003D is provided in a fourth side 3003E into a pocket 3004 formed by the first frame structure 3003. [ And an alternative first frame-like structure 3003 coupled to the glove body portion 3005 along the first and second sides 3003A-3003C. In the illustrated embodiment, the first frame-like structure 3003 is formed of, for example, polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

The pocket 3004 accommodates a docked area 3006 formed by the second frame-like structure 3007 during use of the device 3000 to control the movement of the material handling vehicle, such as that of the type disclosed herein. The second frame-like structure 3007 of the illustrated embodiment is formed of, for example, polycarbonate. The docking area 3006 may include the same operating components as those of the docking area 254 described above, for example, connection pads 3009 (see FIG. 31), but the remote control device 3000 ), The docking area 3006 is detachably mounted to the garment 3002. As shown in Fig.

The fourth side 3003E of the first frame structure 3003 includes a hook and loop tape HL _T used to secure the docking area 3006 in the garment 3002 and in the pocket 3004 during use, . When not in use, the docking area 3006 can be removed from the pocket 3004 and leaves a relatively cost-effective glove 3001 that has a pocket 3004 but no electronic hardware. The illustrated remote control device 3000 includes a pocket 3004 for receiving and securing the docking area 3006 to the garment 3002 while the docking area 3006 is secured to the garment 3002 in any suitable manner. .

The docking area 3006 supports a detachable communication device 3008 that includes a wireless transmitter W _T and a power pack P _P where the communication device 3008 may include a power pack temporarily into the docking area 3006 for use of the auxiliary remote control system that can control the movement of the associated material handling vehicle, but is removed from use, the ratio to enable charging, docking area 3006 of the (P _P) Dock. Communication device 3008 may include the same operational components as those of communication device 254 described above.

The communication device 3008 is provided as a component of the electrical hardware 3010 of the remote control device 3000 and the electrical hardware 3010 also includes a wireless transmitter W _T of the communication device 3008 and a mobile controller 3012 And a movement control section 3012, which includes a structure for providing communication, for example, direct communication or indirect communication, via one or more intermediate elements between a plurality of intermediate elements. In the illustrated embodiment, communication between the radio transmitter (W _T ) and the mobile control unit 3012 of the communication device 3008 is transferred from the mobile control unit 3012 via the wiring 3014 to the docking area 3006, Is provided to the communication device 3008 via the connection pads 3009 of the communication device 3006.

The movement controller 3012 of the illustrated embodiment may be removably coupled to the finger 3005A of the glove body portion 3005 of the garment 3002 by, for example, a hook and hook tape HL _T or in any suitable manner. And a button 3016 that can be mounted. 32, the button 3016 is used to request the material handling vehicle to move the radio transmitter (W _T ) of the communication device 3008 across the floor surface in a first direction, as described in detail herein Such as a move request as a first type of signal, to be transmitted to the controller on the vehicle by the operator's thumb 3018. [ As described above, a hand gesture for activating the button 3016 can also be performed while the operator is simultaneously performing other task operations tasks such as holding or carrying boxes, scanning devices, tools, and the like.

The movement control section 3012 and the wiring 3014 may be provided as an integral unit which may also include a docking area 3006, i.e., a movement control section 3012, a wiring 3014, The pocket 3006 can be provided as an integral unit detachable from the garment 3002 and leaves a relatively cost effective glove 3001 that has a pocket 3004 but does not include any electronic hardware as described above. Alternatively, the movement control section 3012 and the wiring 3014 may be separated from the docking area 3006. [

When the communication device 3008 is properly docked on the corresponding garment 3002, the remote control device 3000 may provide a convenient platform for allowing the truck operator to remotely control the vehicle, as described in detail herein to provide. Further, the additional structure and / or functionality of the various remote control devices described herein, such as the stop button, vehicle movement direction controls, etc., may be provided for use with the remote control device 3000 illustrated in Figures 31 and 32 .

By separating the electronic hardware 3010 and the docking area 3006 from the garment 3002, single instances of the electronic hardware 3010 and the docking area 3006 can be used with multiple instances of the garment 3002 . In addition, by detaching communication device 3008 from docking area 3006, a single communication device 3008 can be reused with multiple instances of docking area 3006. For this reason, workers on other shifts can maintain their own garments 3002 and / or docking areas 3006, which can be moved by corresponding motion control 3012 and wiring 3014 May be provided as an integral unit together and only plug or dock the communication device 3008 into the docking area 3006 and place the docking area at the beginning of the shift into the pocket 3004 of its counterpart garment 3002, Bonded or docked.

The garment 3002 can be constructed from any number of materials, such as stretchable fabrics, plastics, composites, leather or other materials alone or in combination.

33 and 34, there is shown an exemplary wearable wireless remote control device 400 for an auxiliary remote control system for a material handling vehicle according to another aspect of the present invention. The wireless remote control device 4000 according to this aspect of the invention includes a garment 4002 that includes a strap 4003 that is worn on an operator's wrist or arm. The illustrated garment 4002 further includes a frame 4004 to which the strap 4003 is attached. The frame 4004 receives the docking area 4006 during use of the device 400 to control movement of the material handling vehicle, such as the type described herein. The docking area 4006 may include the same operating components as those of the docking area 254 described above, for example, connection pads 4009 (see FIG. 33) In this case, the docking area 4006 is detachably mounted on the garment 4002.

The frame 4004 can be formed to have the same frame shape as the docking area 4006 and includes an outer lip 4004A that is used to secure the docking area 4006 to the garment 4002 during use The docking area 4006 overlaps the outer edge 4006A of the docking area 4006 to be captured between the strap 4003 and the frame 4004. [ When not in use, the docking area 4006 can be removed from the frame 4004, leaving a relatively cost effective strap 4003 with a frame 4004, but without any electronic hardware. Although the illustrated remote control device 4000 includes a frame 4004 for receiving and securing the docking area 4006 to the garment 4002, the docking area 4006 may be secured to the garment 4002 in any suitable manner. .

The docking area 4006 supports a detachable communication device 4008 that includes a power pack P _P and a wireless transmitter W _T and a communication device 4008 is coupled to the auxiliary remote Temporarily docked to the docking area 4006 during use of the control system, but may be removed from the docking area 4006 to enable charging of the power pack (P _P ), for example, at a charging station, when not in use. The communication device 4008 may comprise the same operational components as those of the communication device 264 described above.

The communication device 4008 is provided as a component of the electrical hardware 4010 of the remote control device 4000 and the electrical hardware 4010 is also connected to a wireless transmitter W _T of the communication device 4008, And a movement control unit 4012 including a structure for providing direct communication or indirect communication through one or more intermediate elements between the movement control unit 4012 and the movement control unit 4012. In the illustrated embodiment, communication between the radio transmitter (W _T ) and the mobile control unit 4012 of the communication device 4008 is transferred from the mobile control unit 4012 via the wiring 4014 to the docking area 4006, And is provided to the communication device 4008 via connection pads 4009 of the communication device 4006.

In the illustrated embodiment, the movement control unit 4012 is connected to the finger strap F _S forming part of the garment 4002 separated from the strap 4003, for example as shown in Fig. 34 or in any suitable manner And a button 4016 that can be removably mounted to the finger 4015 of the operator. The movement control unit 4012 may be operable to move the finger 4015 of the operator in any suitable manner, such as using a fingerstrap including hook and loop tape to interact with the corresponding hook and loop tape associated with the movement control unit 4012, The exemplary finger strap F _S illustrated in Figures 33 and 34 includes a frame 4017 that forms an opening 4019 that receives the button 4016 and a finger 4015 that is affixed to the finger 4015 of the operator, And a strap portion 4021 including a hook and loop tape HL _T for fixing the strap F _S. By using the hook and loop tape to fix the movement control section 4012 to the finger strap, the movement control section 4012 can be easily relocated on the operator's finger 4015 as needed.

As shown in Figure 34, the button 4016 allows the wireless transmitter W _T of the communication device 4008 to request the material handling vehicle to move across the floor surface in a first direction as described in detail herein To be transmitted to the controller on the vehicle, such as a move request as a first type signal, to be transmitted to the controller on the vehicle. As described above, the hand gesture for actuating button 4016 can also be performed when an operator performs other task operations tasks such as holding or carrying boxes, scanning devices, tools, and the like.

The movement control section 4012 and the wiring 4014 may be provided as an integral unit which may also include a docking area 4006, i.e., a movement control section 4012, a wiring 4014, (4006) is provided as an integral unit that can be detached from garment 4002, leaving a relatively usable strap 4003 with frame 4004, but without any electronic hardware as described above. Alternatively, the movement control section 4012 and the wiring 4014 may be separated from the docking 4006. [

When the communication device 4008 is properly docked on the corresponding garment 4002, the remote control device 4000 provides a convenient platform for allowing the truck operator to remotely control the vehicle as described in detail herein do. Further, the additional structure and / or functionality of the various remote control devices described herein, such as the stop button, vehicle movement direction controls, etc., may be provided for use with the remote control device 4000 illustrated in Figures 33 and 34 have.

By separating electronics hardware 4010 and docking area 4006 from garment 4002, single instances of electronic hardware 4010 and docking area 4006 can be used with multiple instances of garment 4002. In addition, by detaching the communication device 4008 from the docking area 4006, the single communication device 4008 can be reused with multiple instances of the docking area 4006. [ For this reason, the workers on different shifts can maintain their own garments 4002 and / or docking areas 4006, which are connected to corresponding motion controllers 4012 and wires 4014, And may be provided as an integral unit only by plugging or docking the communication device 4008 into the docking area 4006 and moving the docking area 4006 to the frame 4004 of its counterpart garment 4002 at the beginning of its shift Plug or dock into the housing.

The garment 4002 may be comprised of any number of materials such as stretchable fabrics, plastics, composites, leather or other materials alone or in combination.

Each of the communication devices 3008 and 4008 of Figures 31/32 and 33/34 is interchangeable between the garments 3002 and 4002 without any modifications to the required communication devices 3008 and 4008 Be careful. 33 and 34 may be used in the docking area 4006 of Figs. 33 and 34 and the communication device 4008 of Figs. 33 and 34 may be used in the docking area 4006 of Figs. 31 and 32. [ (3006), and no changes to the communication devices (3008, 4008) are needed. Each of the communication devices 3008, 4008 of Figures 31/32 and 33/34 may also be used in docking areas of other types of garments of other types of secondary remote control systems, Thereby reducing the overall costs associated with providing them.

Further, in accordance with an optional aspect of the present invention, any one of the remote control devices 3000, 4000 can be used to provide wireless communication between the mobile controllers 3012, 4012 and the corresponding communication devices 3008, 4008, It may include a structure (W _S) using the same short-range wireless technology (refer to Fig. 31, 33), in which case it can be removed wire (3014, 4012).

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used in this specification, the singular forms "a" and "an " are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, when used in this specification, the terms "comprise" and / or "comprising" specify the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or components, , Integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

The description of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and example, but is not intended to be exhaustive of the invention or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Numerous modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and concept of the invention. The embodiments are chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated Were chosen and described.

It will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims, by describing in detail the present invention and by reference to its preferred embodiments.

Claims (27)

As a supplementary remote control system for a logistics handling vehicle,
And a wearable wireless remote control device worn by an operator interacting with said logistics handling vehicle, said remote control device
Docking area;
A removable mountable communication device for temporarily docking to the docking area during use of the supplemental remote control system to control movement of the logistics handling vehicle, comprising: a wireless transmitter; And
Wherein the operation of the travel control unit is a first type signal requesting the logistics handling vehicle to move across the floor in a first direction, To the remote control system. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the communication device and the travel control are parts of an electronic hardware of the remote control device, and the electronic hardware further comprises a supplemental remote control system. The supplemental remote control system according to claim 2, wherein said wire of said travel control unit and said electronic hardware is detachably mountable to the garment of said remote control device. The supplemental remote control system according to claim 3, wherein the docking area is detachably mountable to the garment. The supplemental remote control system according to claim 4, wherein the docking area, the travel control unit, and the wire are provided as an integrated unit. 5. The remote control system of claim 4, wherein the garment comprises a glove. The supplementary remote control system according to claim 6, wherein the travel control unit includes a button on the finger of the glove. 5. The supplemental remote control system of claim 4, wherein the garment comprises a strap worn on an operator's cuff or arm. The supplementary remote control system according to claim 8, wherein the travel control unit includes a button that can be worn on the finger of the operator. The supplemental remote control system according to claim 1, wherein wireless communication is provided between the communication device and the driving control unit. 11. The supplemental remote control system according to claim 10, wherein the travel control unit is detachably mountable to the garment of the remote control device. As a supplementary remote control system for a logistics handling vehicle,
A wearable wireless remote control device worn by an operator interacting with said logistics handling vehicle, said remote control device comprising:
cloth;
A docking area detachably mountable to the garment; And
Electronic hardware,
The electronic hardware comprises:
A removable mountable communication device for temporarily docking to the docking area during use of the supplemental remote control system to control movement of the logistics handling vehicle, comprising: a wireless transmitter;
A driving control unit; And
And a structure for providing communication between the travel control unit and the radio transmitter,
Wherein the operation of the travel control unit causes the radio transmitter to transmit a travel request wirelessly as a first type signal requesting the logistics handling vehicle to move across the floor in a first direction. 13. The supplemental remote control system of claim 12, wherein the structure providing communication between the travel control unit and the wireless transmitter comprises a wire, and the wire of the travel control unit and the electronic hardware is detachably mountable to the garment. 14. The supplemental remote control system according to claim 13, wherein the docking area, the travel control unit, and the wire are provided as an integrated unit. 13. The supplemental remote control system of claim 12, wherein the garment comprises a glove. 16. The supplemental remote control system according to claim 15, wherein the travel control unit includes a button on the finger of the glove. 13. The supplemental remote control system of claim 12, wherein the garment comprises a strap worn on an operator's cuff or arm. 18. The supplemental remote control system according to claim 17, wherein the travel control unit includes a button that can be worn on the finger of the operator. 13. The supplemental remote control system according to claim 12, wherein wireless communication is provided between the communication device and the driving control unit by the structure. 20. The supplementary remote control system according to claim 19, wherein the travel control unit is detachably mountable to the clothes. As a supplementary remote control system for a logistics handling vehicle,
A wearable wireless remote control device worn by an operator interacting with said logistics handling vehicle, said remote control device comprising:
cloth;
A docking area associated with the garment; And
Electronic hardware,
The electronic hardware comprises:
A removable mountable communication device for temporarily docking to the docking area during use of the supplemental remote control system to control movement of the logistics handling vehicle, comprising: a wireless transmitter;
A driving control unit; And
And a wire for providing communication between the travel control unit and the radio transmitter,
Wherein the wires of the travel controller and the electronic hardware are detachably mountable to the garment,
Wherein the operation of the travel control unit causes the radio transmitter to transmit a travel request wirelessly as a first type signal requesting the logistics handling vehicle to move across the floor in a first direction. 22. The supplemental remote control system of claim 21, wherein the garment comprises a glove. 23. The supplemental remote control system of claim 22, wherein the travel control unit comprises a button on the finger of the glove. 22. The supplemental remote control system of claim 21, wherein the garment comprises a strap worn on an operator's cuff or arm. 25. The supplemental remote control system according to claim 24, wherein the travel control unit includes a button that can be worn on the operator's finger. 22. The garment of claim 21,
A strap worn on an operator's cuff or arm; And
Includes one of the gloves,
Wherein the communication device is selectively attachable to a respective docking area on the strap and on the glove without modification of the communication device. 22. The supplemental remote control system according to claim 21, wherein the docking area, the travel control unit, and the wire are provided as an integrated unit.

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