Object tracking and steer maneuvers for materials handling vehicles

US8731777B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Crown Equipment Corporation · US

Inventors

• Anthony T. Castaneda · Troy, US
• William W. McCroskey · Sidney, US
• James F. Schloemer · New Bremen, US
• Mark E. Schumacher · New Knoxville, US
• Vernon W. Siefring · Covington, US
• Timothy A. Wellman · Celina, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 23, 2011
• Grant date: May 20, 2014
• Expiry date: Apr 29, 2032

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G08C2201/20
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A materials handling vehicle automatically implements steer maneuvers when objects enter one or more zones proximate the vehicle, wherein the zones are monitored by a controller associated with the vehicle. The controller tracks objects in the zones via sensor data obtained from at least one obstacle sensor located on the vehicle and via dead reckoning. The objects are tracked by the controller until they are no longer in an environment proximate the vehicle. Different zones result in different steer maneuvers being implemented by the controller.