Patent ID: 8725363

Claim:
A method for operating a materials handling vehicle utilizing multiple detection zones comprising: defining a first detection zone comprising a stop zone in an area proximate to the vehicle; defining a second detection zone comprising a first speed reduction zone in an area proximate to the vehicle; defining a third detection zone comprising a second speed reduction zone in an area proximate to the vehicle; performing a first action by a controller on the vehicle if the vehicle is traveling and an obstacle is detected in the stop zone, the first action comprising the controller implementing a stop action to stop the vehicle; performing a second action by the controller if the vehicle is traveling and an obstacle is detected in the first speed reduction zone, the second action comprising the controller implementing a speed reduction action to reduce the speed of the vehicle to a first predetermined speed if the vehicle is traveling at a speed greater than the first predetermined speed; performing a third action by the controller if the vehicle is traveling and an obstacle is detected in the second speed reduction zone, the third action comprising the controller implementing a speed reduction action to reduce the speed of the vehicle to a second predetermined speed different than the first predetermined speed if the vehicle is traveling at a speed greater than the second predetermined speed; detecting whether an operator is positioned on the vehicle with at least one presence sensor; and allowing the vehicle to travel in response to a travel request signal when the at least one presence sensor designates that no operator is on the vehicle.