Automated storage and retrieval system with detector for detecting items extending beyond dimensional threshold

A material handling system, comprising:

• a plurality of destination areas;
• a plurality of vehicles for delivering items to the destination areas or retrieving items from the destination areas, wherein the vehicles travel a path;
• a controller for controlling movement of the plurality of vehicles;
• a detector for detecting whether an item on one of the vehicles extends beyond a pre-determined dimensional threshold relative to the vehicle, wherein the detector is positioned adjacent the path on which the vehicles travel and the detector is operable to create a depth data set representative of a three-dimensional representation of a target area;
• and
• a track that guides the vehicles, wherein the destination areas are disposed on either side of the track and wherein the track comprises a front track and an opposing rear track with an aisle between the front track and the rear track;
• and
• wherein the controller controls operation of the vehicle in response to the detector determining that an item projects beyond the dimensional threshold.

A material handling system, comprising:

• a plurality of destination areas;
• a plurality of vehicles for delivering items to the destination areas or retrieving items from the destination areas, wherein the vehicles travel a path;
• a detection assembly for detecting whether items on the vehicles extend beyond a pre-determined dimensional threshold relative to the vehicle, wherein the detection assembly is positioned adjacent the path on which the vehicles travel and the detection assembly comprises:
• an emitter for projecting a light source onto one of the vehicles when the vehicle is at a location along the path;
• and
• an imaging element configured to detect the light projected onto the vehicle;
• an image processor configured to receive image data from the detection assembly to determine the distance that elements on the vehicle project from the vehicle;
• wherein in response to the image processor determining that an item projects above the pre-determined dimensional threshold, movement of the vehicle along the path is altered.

A material handling system, comprising:

• a plurality of destination areas;
• a plurality of vehicles for delivering items to the destination areas or retrieving items from the destination areas, wherein the vehicles travel a path;
• a controller for controlling movement of the plurality of vehicles;
• a detector detecting whether an item extends into the path of the vehicle wherein the detector is positioned adjacent the path on which the vehicles travel and the detector is operable to create a depth data set representative of a three-dimensional representation of a target area;
• wherein the controller controls operation of the vehicle in response to the detector determining that an item projects into the path.