Abstract: Approaches are provided for normalizing performance data for the operation of industrial vehicles. The approaches comprise categorizing operations of an industrial vehicle into distinct, measureable activities. The approaches further comprise measuring the actual usage of the industrial vehicle as a function of each category of operation and wirelessly transmitting that measured usage to a remote server. The approaches also comprise associating for each category, a weighted impact on the work performed by each category as a function of energy consumed in performing that work.

Abstract: Dynamic industrial vehicle monitoring for modification of vehicle operator behavior comprises identifying a metric that characterizes an event associated with the operator of an industrial vehicle, the metric having a pre-action trigger that defines when the event is predicted to occur, a performance parameter to evaluate against the event and a behavior modification action that corresponds to a desired operator behavior in response to the event. Monitoring operation of the industrial vehicle is carried out for the event. Upon detecting an occurrence of the event, event data is recorded that characterizes a response of a vehicle operator to the event. The recorded event data is evaluated against at least one performance parameter associated with the corresponding metric to determine whether the vehicle operator demonstrated appropriate behavior for the event. A vehicle operator score is updated based upon the evaluation and the updated vehicle operator score is communicated.

Abstract: Industrial vehicle monitoring for modification of vehicle operator behavior comprises storing data identifying an event associated with the operation of an industrial vehicle, the data having a performance parameter to evaluate against the event. Further, operation of the industrial vehicle is monitored for an event. When an occurrence of the event is detected, event data that characterizes an action of a vehicle operator is recorded into memory. The recorded event data is evaluated against the performance parameter to determine whether the vehicle operator demonstrated appropriate behavior for the detected event, and a behavior modification action is determined based on the evaluation of the recorded event data against the performance parameter. An output message is conveyed on the industrial vehicle to perform the behavior modification action.

Abstract: A process of providing dynamic industrial vehicle feedback comprises storing in memory, data identifying a vehicle-based event that characterizes an operation of an industrial vehicle. Further, the process comprises storing into memory, operation information collected from an electronic component on the industrial vehicle that is associated with the identified event. The collected operation information characterizes a current operating state of the industrial vehicle as the industrial vehicle is being operated. The process further comprises detecting that the event has occurred based upon the collected operation information and generating an output message based on the detected event and the collected operation information. The output message is then conveyed on the industrial vehicle.

Abstract: A processing device having a graphical user interface includes a housing having a touch screen display that receives touch gesture commands from a vehicle operator. Still further, a set of controls is arranged on a front face of the housing. The set of controls include hardware control equivalents to the gesture commands recognized by the touch screen of the display. This allows industrial vehicle operators to wear gloves or other attire fitting for the task at hand, without undue interference interacting with the graphical user interface. Also, redundant control, e.g., via gesture commands recognized by the touch screen of the display and corresponding controls in the user control section allow the vehicle operator to use which ever data input option is most convenient for convenience, workflow, etc.

Abstract: An industrial system includes an electronic badge worn or otherwise transported by an industrial vehicle operator. The electronic badge has a housing, a processor, and a transceiver coupled to the processor that communicates on a personal-area network with a badge communicator that is provided on an industrial vehicle when the electronic badge and the badge communicator are in range of each other. Further, an activity sensor collects activity information about the industrial vehicle operator as the industrial vehicle operator performs work tasks. The electronic badge exchanges data collected by the activity sensor with the industrial vehicle, for communication to a remote server. An electronic message is communicated to the industrial vehicle for output to a display thereon, and the electronic message defines an assigned task that is based upon previously collected data from the activity sensor.

Abstract: The overall quality of a workforce is analyzed, scored and presented using an analysis engine that performs a multi-domain analysis on enterprise data. The analysis engine presents key information about the performance of a workforce across a range of hardware devices so as to inform different users in their unique contexts and roles within a business organization as to workforce performance. The analysis engine associates a customizable performance profile with each workforce member. Each performance profile is comprised of a plurality of performance measures. Each performance measure in turn, represents a performance metric that measures some aspect of the job duties performed by the associated workforce member, e.g., an industrial vehicle operator. The scores are aggregated into an overall performance profile score. To compute the scores, data is considered across multiple domains, e.g.

Abstract: An evaluation of industrial vehicle performance is carried out based upon a designated task to be performed using the industrial vehicle, where the task has a corresponding metric associated therewith. Performance of the industrial vehicle during execution of the task is measured based by extracting vehicle operational data that is responsive to the corresponding metric. Also, information identifying an extrinsic factor is obtained, where the extrinsic factor is in effect at least one time during performance of the task, and which is capable of impacting a performance capability of the industrial vehicle in performing the task. Moreover, an adjusted task evaluation is created, which is indicative of industrial vehicle performance that takes into account a generated task performance score that is based upon the measured performance of the industrial vehicle in performing the task, a computed target score for the task, and the extrinsic factor.

Abstract: A computer-implemented process of tracking events, is carried out by detecting that a first badge is within a personal-area network wireless communication range of a second badge, thus designating an encounter, and performing, by processor executing instructions read out from memory, an event logging transaction responsive to the encounter. The event logging transaction is performed by receiving, from the first badge, an electronic message characterizing an observation made by the user of the first badge relative to a user of the second badge, converting the electronic message received from the first badge into a pinpoint response, and generating an event record comprising an identification of an event type, and the pinpoint response.

Abstract: A materials handling vehicle comprises an operator compartment, a load handling feature to carry a load, a power unit, a controller, and an inward facing output module, an outward facing output module, or both. In operation, the controller receives information from a remote server and/or electronics of the materials handling vehicle via a materials handling vehicle network bus, where the received information is in regard to a task being performed by the materials handling vehicle. Also, the controller, responsive to detecting the task being performed, operates the output module to provide situational awareness information with regard to the task.

Abstract: A vehicle-initiated cadenced operator interaction system introduces an operational concept to a vehicle operator via a machine-initiated interaction. Thereafter, interaction is initiated by the industrial vehicle according to a cadence that provides a gap between interactions so that the operator can demonstrate the behavior associated with the introduced concept. The vehicle controller actively analyzes industrial vehicle data associated with the content of the interaction(s), and evaluates the data against pre-defined operational criteria to determine whether the operator is demonstrating the appropriate skill/behavior associated with the interaction(s). Responsive to the operator's demonstrated ability, the system can modify operation of the vehicle to tune the industrial vehicle to the operator. The system can also extend to the operating environment, by interacting with electronic devices, vehicles, machines, etc., in the operating environment to tune the environment to the operator.

Abstract: An electronic badge comprises a housing having a form factor of a mobile device, a processor, and memory coupled to the processor and including an observation and feedback application. Further, the electronic badge comprises a first transceiver that communicates on a first personal-area network, a second transceiver that communicates on a second personal-area network, and a third transceiver that communicates on a local area network. An information feedback device is controlled by the processor to activate to provide information to the user that feedback has been either given or received, wherein the information feedback device is operated by the processor in response to the processor executing the observation and feedback application, and in response to the processor interacting with at least one of the first transceiver, the second transceiver, and the third transceiver.

Abstract: When an industrial vehicle encounters a geo-feature, one or more messages for conveyance on the industrial vehicle are determined based on a current operating state of the industrial vehicle and an expected operating condition associated with the encountered geo-feature. In an example implementation, the geo-feature can implement aisle control in a warehouse or similar environment to ensure that only authorized vehicles are permitted to enter the aisle. Here, authorization may be predicated upon an assigned task from a warehouse management system. In another example implementation, the industrial vehicle includes a display that provides a graphical representation of the geo-feature.

Abstract: A computer-implemented process of tracking events, is carried out by detecting that a first badge is within a personal-area network wireless communication range of a second badge, thus designating an encounter, and performing, by processor executing instructions read out from memory, an event logging transaction responsive to the encounter. The event logging transaction is performed by receiving, from the first badge, an electronic message characterizing an observation made by the user of the first badge relative to a user of the second badge, converting the electronic message received from the first badge into a pinpoint response, and generating an event record comprising an identification of an event type, and the pinpoint response.

Abstract: Dynamic industrial vehicle monitoring for modification of vehicle operator behavior comprises identifying a metric that characterizes an event associated with the operator of an industrial vehicle, the metric having a pre-action trigger that defines when the event is predicted to occur, a performance parameter to evaluate against the event and a behavior modification action that corresponds to a desired operator behavior in response to the event. Monitoring operation of the industrial vehicle is carried out for the event. Upon detecting an occurrence of the event, event data is recorded that characterizes a response of a vehicle operator to the event. The recorded event data is evaluated against at least one performance parameter associated with the corresponding metric to determine whether the vehicle operator demonstrated appropriate behavior for the event. A vehicle operator score is updated based upon the evaluation and the updated vehicle operator score is communicated.

Abstract: A computer implemented process is carried out by identifying a metric that characterizes an event associated with the operation of an industrial vehicle. Information about the metric is transmitted to an industrial vehicle. Further, the process includes receiving event data that characterizes a response of the industrial vehicle to the event. The process also includes updating a score for the instance of the metric associated with the vehicle operator by deriving a raw score value based upon the received event data, aggregating the derived raw score value to previously derived raw scores for the metric, and computing a modified score by applying a filter to the aggregate of raw score values. The process also includes comparing the computed modified score with a predetermined modification criteria, and sending a command back to the industrial vehicle to modify the industrial vehicle based upon the comparison.

Abstract: In location-based geo-feature implementations, messages for conveyance on an industrial vehicle are determined based on a current operating state of the industrial vehicle, information about a zone with expected operating conditions, and the industrial vehicle's location. When the industrial vehicle enters the zone, the current operating state of the industrial vehicle is compared to the expected operating state, which determines the message for display. Further, the current operating state may change the way the message is displayed. In vehicle-based implementations, vehicle data is collected and analyzed to generate messages upon the triggering of predetermined events. The detection of an event can be combined with vehicle position data to create an event record that captures location. Tools are also provided for setting up, managing and using the above capabilities.

Abstract: Dynamic industrial vehicle monitoring for modification of vehicle operator behavior comprises identifying a metric that characterizes an event associated with the operation of an industrial vehicle, the metric having at least one behavior modification action and at least one performance parameter to evaluate the event against. Monitoring operation of the industrial vehicle is carried out for the event. Upon detecting an occurrence of the event, event data is recorded that characterizes a response of a vehicle operator to the event. The recorded event data is evaluated against at least one performance parameter associated with the corresponding metric to determine whether the vehicle operator demonstrated appropriate behavior for the event. A vehicle operator score is updated based upon the evaluation and the updated vehicle operator score is communicated.

Abstract: A processing device having a graphical user interface includes a housing having a touch screen display that receives touch gesture commands from a vehicle operator. Still further, a set of controls is arranged on a front face of the housing. The set of controls include hardware control equivalents to the gesture commands recognized by the touch screen of the display. This allows industrial vehicle operators to wear gloves or other attire fitting for the task at hand, without undue interference interacting with the graphical user interface. Also, redundant control, e.g., via gesture commands recognized by the touch screen of the display and corresponding controls in the user control section allow the vehicle operator to use which ever data input option is most convenient for convenience, workflow, etc.

Abstract: A computer-implemented process of tracking events, is carried out by detecting that a first badge is within a personal-area network wireless communication range of a second badge, thus designating an encounter, and performing, by processor executing instructions read out from memory, an event logging transaction responsive to the encounter. The event logging transaction is performed by receiving, from the first badge, an electronic message characterizing an observation made by the user of the first badge relative to a user of the second badge, converting the electronic message received from the first badge into a pinpoint response, and generating an event record comprising an identification of an event type, and the pinpoint response.