Screen blanking technology is proving to be a game-changerTejal Ranjan is the vice president of global marketing at JLT Mobile Computers, a leading provider of rugged computing solutions for demanding industrial environments.
In today's fast-paced industrial world, mobile computing has become a vital tool for efficiency and productivity. From warehouse floors to busy freight yards, vehicle-mounted computers provide real-time data that keeps operations running smoothly.
However, the very displays that provide this crucial information can also be a source of distraction, creating a potential safety risk for operators.
To solve this challenge, new advancements in technology are focusing on context-aware computing. This innovative approach uses intelligent software to automatically adapt a device's behaviour based on its environment, making it a powerful tool for enhancing workplace safety.
What is screen blanking?
Screen blanking is an intelligent safety feature that uses artificial intelligence (AI) and
machine learning (ML) algorithms to automatically manage a computer's display.
These algorithms analyse real-time data from a device's built-in motion sensors to accurately determine if a vehicle is in a static or active state. When the sensors detect motion, the AI- driven software automatically blanks the display.
This removes a significant visual distraction, allowing the operator to focus on driving and navigating their surroundings safely.
As soon as the vehicle comes to a complete stop, the screen instantly restores, giving the operator immediate access to the information they need to perform their next task.
The technology behind the safety shift
At the heart of this new technology is the use of AI and ML algorithms that analyse real-time data from a device's built-in sensors.
These algorithms are trained on vast datasets of motion patterns to accurately determine if a forklift or vehicle is in a static or active state.
- During Movement: When the sensors detect motion, the AI-driven software can automatically blank the display. This removes a significant visual distraction, allowing the operator to focus on driving and navigating their surroundings safely.
- When Stopped: As soon as the vehicle comes to a complete stop, the screen instantly restores, giving the operator immediate access to the information they need to perform their next task, such as scanning inventory or confirming a delivery.
The brilliance of this approach lies in its simplicity and efficiency. It doesn't require any additional hardware or complex installations.
Instead, it leverages the existing technology within a rugged vehicle-mounted device to create a seamless, non-intrusive safety solution.
This allows companies to improve their safety protocols and comply with evolving regulations without the burden of extra costs or installation time.
A new standard for industrial solutions
This new technology represents a significant step forward in industrial safety. By combining cutting-edge software with existing hardware such as rugged mobile computers or VMT, it creates a powerful and practical solution that can be deployed across a wide range of industrial sectors, from logistics and manufacturing to mining and agriculture.
This innovation is not just about meeting safety requirements; it's about setting a new standard for how technology should operate in demanding environments. It demonstrates that the most effective solutions are those that are seamlessly integrated, context-aware, and built to protect a company's most valuable asset - its people.
By integrating AI into a rugged computing solution, companies can protect their most valuable asset—their people—while maintaining efficient operations.