Object tracking and steer maneuvers for materials handling vehicles

US9002581B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Crown Equipment Corporation · US

Inventors

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

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 10, 2013
• Grant date: Apr 7, 2015
• Expiry date: Oct 19, 2033

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.