Stereo Vision System - Load Acquisition Tests

摘要

The subject tests provided the basis for evaluation of the potential benefits ofapplication of stereo vision systems (SVS) to tough terrain extendable boom forklifts (EBFL) for the purpose of assisting the vehicle operator with cargo acquisition and placement. The SVS, a three-dimensional imaging system with a stereoscopic camera, includes a (stereo) video monitor located in the cab which provides the operator with an unimpeded three-dimensional view of the cargo and the vehicle's end-effector (e.g., fork tines). The tests focused on loading and unloading a 1,000-pound palletized cargo into and out of a 20-foot-long ISO container. Retrofit of an EBFL with an SVS was shown to be technically and economically feasible. Test data reduction, based on statistical analysis of the results, showed that use of the SVS can improve average productivity for a novice military operator by 17 percent. It is expected that with the eventual use of 40-foot-long ISO containers, the productivity improvement will he two or three times greater. Future efforts would evaluate the SVS application to 40-foot-long ISO containers, investigate cost and performance of miniaturized monitors, and consider provision of a wide-angle vision system. Material handling equipment, rough terrain forklifts, load/cargo acquisition.