System for alerting a vehicle operator to the presence of a close-range obstacle

摘要

A wireless system is provided for alerting a forklift machine driver / operator to the presence of close-range hazards. The system comprises an interrogating tag reader located on the forklift machine. The interrogating tag reader is capable of detecting a radio-frequency identification RFID tag located or attached to the hazard when the RFID tag is in range of the interrogating tag reader. Upon detection of a hazard, the tag reader activates a warning signal alerting the driver / operator to the presence of a close-range hazard. The hazard may be a person or static object. The RFID tag may include information on the nature of the hazard on which the tag is located. The warning signal may be via a loudspeaker or a light source. The tag reader may be located within a housing which may be attached to a docking unit within the forklift machine. The RFID tag may be a passive transponder.