Abstract: A process for modifying operation of a materials handling vehicle is carried out by receiving from a tablet, an electrical signal representing an instruction to modify an operating condition of the materials handling vehicle. The instruction is communicated by the tablet via an open standard communication protocol. The process also includes converting the instruction received via the open standard communication protocol to a modification command. The modification command can be used to modify an electrical component of the materials handling vehicle according to a parameter extracted from the instruction. The process also includes transmitting the modification command to the electrical component of the materials handling vehicle via a vehicle network of the materials handling vehicle. The electrical component receives the modification command and transforms an operating state of the associated electrical component so as to cause an overall modification of the operation of the materials handling vehicle.

Abstract: A process is provided for securing access to a materials handling vehicle. The process is carried out by coupling a tablet to a materials handling vehicle via a wired connection for communication via an open standard. The process also includes receiving a first device identification of the tablet over the wired connection via the first open standard, and storing the first device identification in memory. Also, the process includes wirelessly detecting a second device identification of the tablet. The process yet further includes communicably coupling the tablet to the materials handling vehicle via a wireless connection for communication via a second open standard where the second device identification matches the first device identification stored in the first memory.

Abstract: A materials handling vehicle comprises a distributed processor system including a vehicle network that facilitates an exchange of information with vehicle electronic components, and a distributed multi-processor vehicle control architecture. The distributed multi-processor vehicle control architecture includes an embedded information core having a core processor communicably coupled to the vehicle network, and a tablet having a tablet processor, where the tablet is communicably couplable to, and detachable from the distributed multi-processor vehicle control architecture. When the tablet is detached from the distributed multi-processor vehicle control architecture, the core processor functions as a primary processor that communicates with vehicle electronic components by communicating therewith across the vehicle network.

Abstract: A materials handling vehicle comprises a distributed processor system including a vehicle network that facilitates an exchange of information with vehicle electronic components, and a distributed multi-processor vehicle control architecture. The distributed multi-processor vehicle control architecture includes an embedded information core having a core processor communicably coupled to the vehicle network, and a tablet having a tablet processor, where the tablet is communicably couplable to, and detachable from the distributed multi-processor vehicle control architecture. When the tablet is detached from the distributed multi-processor vehicle control architecture, the core processor functions as a primary processor that communicates with vehicle electronic components by communicating therewith across the vehicle network.