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 control system includes a display configured for mounting on a materials handling vehicle. The display is operative to output a first widget that displays indicia identifying a set of performance tuning profiles, and a second widget that displays indicia associated with a throttle control. A processor in data communication with the display is operatively programmed such that upon receipt of a first electronic message indicating that an operator of the materials handling vehicle selected a specific performance tuning profile from the first widget, and/or upon receipt of a second electronic message indicating that the operator interacted with the second widget to adjust the throttle control, the processor communicates at least one command across a vehicle network of the materials handling vehicle to modify a parameter associated with a vehicle controller, within limits defined by the selected electronic performance tuning profile and throttle control.

Abstract: A materials handling vehicle receives a wirelessly communicated performance tuning profile, and responsive thereto, adjusts at least one operating capability. The performance tuning profile can be updated dynamically as the materials handling vehicle is operated in a work environment based upon a number of different factors including operational, operator, environmental, other, or combinations thereof. Additional aspects provide a graphical user interface that allows an individual such as a supervisor to create a library of performance tuning profiles, and create and/or program a rules engine to automatically convey an appropriate performance tuning profile to a corresponding materials handling vehicle responsive to detecting a corresponding event associated with a programmed rule.

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 receives a wirelessly communicated performance tuning profile, and responsive thereto, adjusts at least one operating capability. The performance tuning profile can be updated dynamically as the materials handling vehicle is operated in a work environment based upon a number of different factors including operational, operator, environmental, other, or combinations thereof. Additional aspects provide a graphical user interface that allows an individual such as a supervisor to create a library of performance tuning profiles, and create and/or program a rules engine to automatically convey an appropriate performance tuning profile to a corresponding materials handling vehicle responsive to detecting a corresponding event associated with a programmed rule.