System and method for operating beacon lights in machines

Abstract

Method for operating a beacon light (152) of a machine (100), the method comprising: activating, by a processing unit (202), the beacon light (152) based on a first signal indicating an operating state of the machine (100), wherein the first signal corresponds to one or more machine parameters in the operating state of the machine (100); deactivating, by the processing unit (202), the beacon light (152) based on a second signal indicating a non-operating state of the machine (100), wherein the second signal corresponds to one or more machine parameters in the non-operating state of the machine (100), wherein the processing unit (202) deactivates the beacon light (152) after the expiry of a predefined period of time due to the receipt of the second signal by the processing unit (202).

Description

Technical field This disclosure relates generally to indicators, such as beacon lights provided on a machine. In particular, this disclosure relates to a system and method for operating a beacon light. State of the art Working machines, such as compressors, typically include indicators, such as beacon lights. Beacon lights generally provide rotating or flashing lights to alert other people (e.g., personnel or other machinery) in the vicinity of the machine to its presence and / or to work being performed by the machine. A beacon light is usually manually operated (i.e., activated and / or deactivated) by a machine operator using physical or virtual switches provided on the machine. US Patent 6,229,438 B1 relates to a device and method for warning drivers of a hazardous condition experienced by another driver. The device includes a warning indicator coupled to a vehicle warning controller. The vehicle warning controller is connected between a power source and a variety of vehicle detection circuits that detect the activation of a safety device. When at least one of the vehicle detection circuits detects the activation of a safety device due to a hazardous condition, a signal is sent to the vehicle warning controller. The warning indicator is activated in response to a signal from the vehicle warning controller. US 2016 / 0243982A1 discloses an information lighting system for a machine with a cab, comprising a variety of warning lights and a control unit. The latter is configured to provide signals for flashing the warning lights upon receiving an input signal. The input signal can originate from a machine status indicator. Brief description of the invention In one aspect, the disclosure relates to a method for operating a beacon light of a machine. The method involves activating the beacon light based on a signal indicating an operating state of the machine, using a processing unit. This signal corresponds to one or more machine parameters in the machine's operating state. Furthermore, the method involves deactivating the beacon light using the processing unit based on a second signal indicating a non-operating state of the machine, wherein the second signal corresponds to one or more machine parameters in the non-operating state. The processing unit deactivates the beacon light after a predefined period of time following its receipt of the second signal. In another aspect, the disclosure relates to a machine. The machine includes a beacon light and a system for operating the beacon light. The system includes a processing unit designed to activate the beacon light based on a signal indicating an operating state of the machine. The signal corresponds to one or more machine parameters in the machine's operating state. Brief description of the drawings Fig. 1 is an exemplary machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 2 is a schematic view of a system for operating a beacon lamp according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and Figs. 3A and 3B as well as 4A and 4B show exemplary environments for operating the beacon lamp according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed description Specific embodiments or features are described in detail below, with examples illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawings to identify identical or similar parts. With reference to Fig. 1, an exemplary machine 100 is shown. The machine 100 can be one of the various types of machines used in a wide variety of industries, such as mining, agriculture, construction, transportation, forestry, waste management, and material handling. For example, the machine 100 can be a construction machine such as a compactor, which may include one or more compaction rollers 130, 132 that can press down and compact an underlying compactable substrate during the construction or rehabilitation of a roadway.It should be noted that Machine 100 may include or represent any other machine, including but not limited to an all-terrain truck, loader, motor grader, excavator, forklift truck or any other earthmoving machine, mining machine or construction machine, wherein one or more aspects of the present disclosure are appropriately applicable to any such machine. The machine 100 includes a frame 102. The frame 102 is designed to support and / or attach one or more components or subsystems of the machine 100. For example, the machine 100 includes an indicator 152. The indicator 152 may be an optical indicator in the form of a beacon or a strobe light, the activation of which can indicate the status of the machine 100. The indicator 152 may be coupled to supports (e.g., integrally) extending from the frame 102. The attachment of the indicator 152 to the support is shown as an example. In some embodiments, the indicator 152 may be part of a rollover protection device (ROPS) 150 of the machine 100. The indicator 152 may be mounted on any section of the outer surface of the machine 100 from where it remains clearly visible to one or more persons in the vicinity of the machine 100. The machine 100 can also include other subsystems. For example, the machine 100 can include a power source system 204, a seat system 206, a seat belt locking system 208, a lighting system 210, a work equipment system 212, a machine speed detection system 214, a location detection system 216, and a proximity detection system 218. The power source system 204 can include a housing 104. The power source system 204 can be housed within the housing 104. The power source system 204 includes one or more power sources (e.g., the power source 156) designed to provide power to the machine 100 for its operational and mobility requirements. The power source 156 can include an internal combustion engine, such as one powered by the combustion of a fuel like gasoline, diesel, natural gas, or a similar fuel, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the power source 156 can include electrical power storage devices such as batteries, an electric motor, and the like, which can be used either alone or in combination with the internal combustion engine. In an embodiment shown in Fig. 2, the power source system 204 can include a power source controller 220 coupled to the power source 156. For example, the power source controller 220 can be the ECM (i.e., an electronic control module) of the machine, an alternator, or another similar module. The power source controller 220 is designed to determine an operating state of the power source 156. According to various embodiments, the operating state can correspond to both a functional state (e.g., an ON state) and a non-functional state (e.g., an OFF state) of the internal combustion engine and / or the power storage device(s). For this purpose, the power source controller 220 can be configured to receive a signal indicating the operating state of the power source 156 of the machine 100. In some embodiments, the signal can be received by one or more components, such as transducers or sensors, which are connected to the detection of one or more parameters of the power source 156. The parameters can include, for example, one or more parameters such as a fuel supply rate, an exhaust gas flow rate, an output shaft speed, an exhaust gas temperature, and the like, which are associated with the power source when the internal combustion engine is used as the power source. The parameters can include, for example, an electrical power discharge rate, an output shaft speed, and the like, which are associated with the power source when the electrical energy storage device is used as the power storage device. In some embodiments, the power source controller 220 can be configured to compare the operating state of the power source 156 with a predefined operating state and to generate a signal based on this comparison. For example, the power source controller 220 is configured to generate the signal (e.g., a first signal) when the operating state of the power source 156 of the machine 100 corresponds to the predefined operating state. Furthermore, the power source controller 220 is configured to generate another signal (e.g., a second signal) when the operating state of the power source 156 of the machine 100 deviates from the predefined operating state. The predefined operating state can correspond to the ON state of the power source 156, and a deviation of the operating state from the predefined operating state can correspond to the OFF state of the power source 156. For example, if the output shaft speed is equal to or above a threshold value, this would correspond to the state in which the operating state corresponds to the predefined operating state, and if the output shaft speed is below the threshold value, this would correspond to the deviation. The power source control 220 is further designed to transmit the generated signal (i.e., the first signal or the second signal) to a processing unit 202 (as shown in Fig. 2) of the machine 100. The seating system 206 can include an operator platform 108 provided on the frame 102. The seating system 206 can be housed within the operator platform 108. The seating system 206 includes one or more operator seats (e.g., the operator seat 110) which are attached to the floor of the operator platform 108. The operator seat 110 can include a seat base 112 and a seat back 114 extending from the seat base 112, designed such that an operator can sit on the seat base 112 while their back rests against the seat back 114 of the operator seat 110. As shown in Fig. 2, the seating system 206 further includes a seat control unit 222 coupled to the operator seat 110. The seat control unit 222 is designed to determine the state of the operator seat 110 of the machine 100. According to various embodiments, the state of the operator seat 110 can correspond to both an occupied state (e.g., when an operator is sitting in the operator seat 110) and an unoccupied state (e.g., when the operator is not sitting in the operator seat 110). For this purpose, the seat control unit 222 can be configured to receive a signal indicating the status of the operator's seat 110 of the machine 100. The signal can be received, for example, by one or more sensors 116 (e.g., sensor 116' in the seat base 112 and / or sensor 116'' in the seat backrest 114). The sensor 116 can include, among other things, a pressure sensor, a weight sensor, a temperature sensor, or any other suitable means associated with detecting one or more parameters of the operator's seat 110. The pressure sensor can, for example, include strain gauges designed to provide strain values ​​or values.As an example, the parameters may include one or more pressures exerted on the seat base 112 and / or the seat back 114 of the operator seat 110, if sensor 116 is the pressure sensor; a weight exerted on the seat base 112 and / or the seat back 114 of the operator seat 110, if sensor 116 is the weight sensor; or a temperature associated with the seat base 112 and / or the seat back 114 of the operator seat 110, if sensor 116 is the temperature sensor. In some other embodiments, the signal may be received by one or more components (not shown), such as a relay, a timer, or any electromechanical device connected to the detection of the state of the operator seat 110 of the machine 100. In some embodiments, the seat control 222 can be configured to compare the received signal with a corresponding predefined value and to generate a signal based on this comparison. For example, the seat control 222 is configured to generate the signal (e.g., the first signal) when the value of the received signal is greater than or equal to the corresponding predefined value. Furthermore, the seat control 222 is configured to generate the signal (e.g., the second signal) when the value of the received signal is less than the corresponding predefined value. According to various embodiments, the predefined value can correspond to a minimum value (e.g., a minimum pressure value, a minimum weight value, or a minimum temperature value) that is detected by one or more sensors 116 when the operator is seated on the operator seat 110. For example, if the pressure exerted on the operator seat 110 is greater than or equal to a predefined value (e.g., a predefined pressure value), the seat control 222 is configured to generate the first signal, and if the pressure exerted on the operator seat 110 is less than the predefined value, the seat control 222 is configured to generate the second signal. The seat control 222 is further configured to transmit the generated signal (i.e., the first signal or the second signal) to the processing unit 202 (as shown in Fig. 2) of the machine 100. The seat belt locking system 208 can include a seat belt assembly 158 designed to secure the operator in the operator seat 110. The seat belt locking system 208 can be housed within the seat belt assembly 158. The seat belt assembly 158 includes a seat belt 120 with a tongue (not shown) attached to the seat belt 120 and a seat belt buckle assembly 122 designed to receive the tongue and secure the seat belt 120. The operator seat 110 can be equipped with a seat belt assembly 158. As shown in Fig. 2, the seat belt locking system 208 further includes a seat belt control unit 224 coupled to the seat belt assembly 158. The seat belt control unit 224 is designed to detect the state of the seat belt 120 of the seat belt assembly 158. According to various embodiments, the state of the seat belt 120 can correspond to either a locked state (e.g., when the tongue of the seat belt 120 is inserted into the seat belt buckle assembly 122) or an unlocked state (e.g., when the tongue of the seat belt 120 is not inserted into the seat belt buckle assembly 122). For this purpose, the seat belt control unit 224 can be configured to receive a seat belt connection signal indicating the state of the seat belt 120. The signal can be received, for example, from the machine's ECM or another similar module. In some embodiments, the seat belt connection signal can be received by one or more components (not shown), such as a sensor, a switch, a relay, a timer, or any electromechanical device connected to the detection of the connection and engagement of the tongue of the seat belt 120 with the seat belt buckle assembly 122. The seat belt control unit 224 can further be configured to generate the signal (e.g., the first signal) when the state of the seat belt 120 corresponds to the locked state. Furthermore, the seat belt control unit 224 can be configured to generate the signal (e.g.,The seat belt control 224 may be designed to transmit the generated signal (i.e., the first signal or the second signal) when the state of the seat belt 120 corresponds to the unlatched state. The seat belt control 224 may also be designed to transmit the generated signal (i.e., the first signal or the second signal) to the processing unit 202 (as shown in Fig. 2) of the machine 100. The lighting system 210 can include one or more light sources 128 installed on the machine 100. The lighting system 210 can be housed within the light source 128. The one or more light sources 128 can include, for example, headlights (128', 128'') or parking lights arranged on the front of the housing 104 for better visibility. In some embodiments, the light source 128 can include one or more light sources provided in the operator station 108 to assist the operator in viewing control devices, such as a lever 124 and an operator interface 126. As shown in Fig. 2, the lighting system 210 further includes a lighting control 226 coupled to the light source 128. The lighting control 226 is designed to detect the state of the light source 128. According to various embodiments, the state of the light source 128 can correspond to either an active state (e.g., ON state) or an inactive state (e.g., OFF state). For this purpose, the lighting control 226 can be configured to receive a signal indicating the state of the light source 128. The signal can be received, for example, by the machine's ECM or another similar module. In some embodiments, the signal can be received by one or more components, such as sensors (e.g., a light sensor), a relay, a timer, or any electromechanical device associated with detecting one or more parameters of the light source 128, such as light intensity or the like. The lighting control 226 can be configured to generate the signal (e.g., the first signal) when the state of the light source 128 corresponds to the active state. Furthermore, the lighting control 226 can be configured to generate the signal (e.g., the second signal) when the state of the light source 128 corresponds to the inactive state. For example, if the light intensity is equal to or higher than a threshold value, this would correspond to the state in which the state of the light source corresponds to the active state, and if the light intensity is lower than the threshold value, this would correspond to the state in which the state of the light source corresponds to the inactive state. The lighting control 226 is also configured to transmit the generated signal (i.e., the first signal or the second signal) to the processing unit 202 (as shown in Fig. 2) of the machine 100. The working equipment system 212 can include one or more working units (e.g., the front compaction roller 130 and / or the rear compaction roller 132). The working equipment system 212 can be housed within the working units 130, 132. According to various embodiments, the working units 130, 132 are designed to provide compaction on the ground surface while also providing mobility to the machine 100, depending on operational requirements. In some embodiments, the working units 130, 132 also include a vibration mechanism to provide vibration during compaction. Although in Fig.1. Where the working equipment is represented as the front compaction roller 130 and / or the rear compaction roller 132, it may be considered that in other embodiments of the present disclosure the working equipment may also include other types of working equipment, such as, among others, shovels, ejectors, shields, scrapers, grabs or the like, which are used by the machine 100. As shown in Fig. 2, the work tool system 212 further includes a work tool controller 228 coupled to the one or more work tools 130, 132. The work tool controller 228 is designed to detect the state of the one or more work tools 130, 132 of the machine 100. According to various embodiments, the state can correspond to both a functional state (e.g., the operating state or the moving state) and a non-functional state (e.g., the non-operating state or the stationary state) of the one or more work tools 130, 132. For this purpose, the work tool controller 228 can be designed to receive a signal indicating the state of the one or more work tools 130, 132. The signal can be received, for example, from the ECM of the machine or another similar module. In some embodiments, the signal can be received from one or more sensors 140 (e.g.,The sensor 140' installed on the front compressor drum 130, the sensor 140'' installed on the rear compressor drum 132, a relay, a timer, or another electromechanical device connected to detecting the state of one or more working devices 130, 132. The sensor 140 may include, among other things, an accelerometer connected to detecting one or more parameters of the one or more working devices 130, 132. For example, the parameters may include one or more acceleration values, vibration values, and the like for one or more working devices 130, 132. In some embodiments, the sensor 140 may be configured to detect a fluid pressure in one or more hydraulic circuits connected to the operation of the one or more working devices 130, 132. In some embodiments, the work tool control 228 can be configured to compare the state of one or more work tools 130, 132 with a predefined work tool state and to generate a signal based on the comparison. For example, the work tool control 228 is configured to generate the signal (e.g., the first signal) when the state of one or more work tools 130, 132 corresponds to the predefined work tool state. Furthermore, the work tool control 228 is configured to generate another signal (e.g., the second signal) when the state of one or more work tools 130, 132 deviates from the predefined work tool state. The predefined working device state can correspond to the operating or moving state of one or more working devices 130, 132, and a deviation of the working device state from the predefined working device state can correspond to the non-operating or stationary state of one or more working devices 130, 132. For example, if the acceleration value is equal to or greater than a threshold value, this would correspond to the state in which the condition corresponds to the predefined working device state, and if the acceleration value is less than the threshold value, this would correspond to the deviation. In some embodiments, if the fluid pressure is higher than a threshold value, this would further correspond to the state in which the condition would correspond to the predefined working device state, and if the fluid pressure is higher than the threshold value, this would correspond to the deviation.The work device control 228 is further designed to transmit the generated signal (i.e. the first signal or the second signal) to a processing unit 202 (as shown in Fig. 2) of the machine 100. The machine speed detection system 214 can be mounted on the frame 102 and / or in the housing 104 of the machine 100. The machine speed detection system 214 includes one or more sensors 142 designed to detect a motion state (e.g., the machine speed) of the machine 100. The one or more sensors 142 can include, among other things, a position sensor (e.g., a global position sensor), an accelerometer, and the like for detecting the motion state of the machine 100. As an example, the position sensor can be designed to use the location assigned to the machine 100 to determine the distance traveled by the machine 100 and the time required for this distance, and to further determine the motion state (e.g., the machine speed) based on the determined distance and time.If sensor 142 is an accelerometer, the acceleration values ​​represent the state of motion (e.g., the machine speed) of machine 100. According to various embodiments, the state of motion can correspond to either a moving state (e.g., when machine 100 is moving at a machine speed greater than a predefined speed value) or a stationary state (e.g., when the machine is not moving or is moving at a machine speed less than the predefined speed value). As shown in Fig. 2, the machine speed sensing system 214 further includes a machine speed sensing controller 230 connected to one or more sensors 142. The machine speed sensing controller 230 can be configured to compare the motion state (e.g., the machine speed) of the machine 100 with the predefined speed value and to generate a signal based on this comparison. For example, the machine speed sensing controller 230 is configured to generate the signal (e.g., the first signal) when the motion state of the machine is greater than or equal to the predefined speed value. Alternatively, the machine speed sensing controller 230 is configured to generate the signal (e.g., the second signal) when the motion state of the machine is less than the predefined speed value. According to various embodiments, the predefined speed value can represent a speed value of the machine 100 at or above which it is determined that the machine 100 is in a state of motion with respect to the ground surface. The machine speed detection control 230 is further designed to transmit the generated signal (i.e., the first signal or the second signal) to the processing unit 202 (as shown in Fig. 2) of the machine 100. The location detection system 216 can be housed on the frame 102 or in the housing 104 of the machine 100. The location detection system 216 includes one or more sensors 118, such as position sensors, designed to detect the location of the machine 100. In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the position sensor is the global positioning system (GPS) designed to detect the location (e.g., location coordinates) associated with the machine 100. Alternatively, the one or more sensors can include an inertial reference unit (IRU), a component of a local tracking system, or any other known localization device that receives or determines the location associated with the machine 100. As shown in Fig. 2, the location detection system 216 further includes a location detection controller 232 coupled to the sensor 118 in the location detection system 216. The location detection controller 232 can be configured to compare the location with a predefined zone or location area and to generate a signal based on the comparison. For example, the location detection controller 232 is configured to generate the signal (e.g., the first signal) when the location of the machine 100 falls within the predefined location area. Furthermore, the location detection controller 232 is configured to generate the signal (e.g., the second signal) when the location of the machine 100 falls outside the predefined location area. According to various embodiments, the predefined location area corresponds to the location coordinates of a section of a construction site where the movement of machine 100 is expected. As shown in Figs. 3A and 3B, for example, section 304 of construction sites 300', 300'' corresponds to the predefined location area where the movement of machine 100 is expected. For this purpose, the determined location coordinates of machine 100 would correspond to the location coordinates of section 304 of construction site 300'', as shown in Fig. 3B, if the location of machine 100 falls within the predefined location area. If the determined location coordinates of machine 100 do not correspond to the location coordinates of section 304 of construction site 300', as shown in Fig. 3A, this would further correspond to the condition where the location of machine 100 falls outside the predefined location area.The location detection control 232 is also designed to transmit the generated signal (for example, the first signal or the second signal) to the processing unit 202 of the machine 100. The proximity detection system 218 can be housed on the frame 102 of the machine 100. The proximity detection system 218 includes one or more sensors 144 (e.g., sensors 144' and 144'') designed to detect the proximity of an entity (e.g., an object, a person, or a machine) to the machine 100. The sensor 144 may include a proximity sensor, but is not limited to this. The sensors 144 are mounted at one or more locations on the machine 100. As shown in Fig. 2, the proximity detection system 218 further includes a proximity detection controller 234 coupled to the sensors 144. The proximity detection system 218 can be configured to compare the proximity of the entity to the machine 100 with a predefined distance range and to generate a signal based on this comparison. For example, the proximity detection controller 234 is configured to generate the signal (e.g., the first signal) when the proximity of the entity to the machine 100 falls within the predefined distance range. Furthermore, the proximity detection controller 234 is configured to generate the signal (e.g., the second signal) when the proximity of the entity to the machine 100 falls outside the predefined distance range. According to various embodiments, the predefined distance range corresponds to an area from the machine 100 within which the presence of another entity is considered unsafe. As shown in Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B, for example, the distance range 404 on the construction site 400', 400'' can correspond to the predefined distance range within which the presence of entities (e.g., persons 408) is considered unsafe. For this purpose, the proximity detection controller 234 is designed to generate the first signal when the proximity D' of the machine 100 to the entity 408 falls within the predefined distance range 404 (as shown in Fig. 4B). If the proximity D of the machine 100 to the entity 408 lies outside the predefined distance range 404 (as shown in Fig. 4A), the proximity detection controller 234 is designed to generate the second signal.The proximity detection control 234 is also designed to transmit the signal (for example, the first signal or the second signal) to the processing unit 202 of the machine 100. Fig. 2 illustrates a system 200 for operating the indicator 152, such as the beacon light in the machine 100. The power source system 204, the seat system 206, the safety belt locking system 208, the lighting system 210, the work equipment system 212, the machine speed detection system 214, the location detection system 216 and the proximity detection system 218 can be configured to establish a data connection with the processing unit 202 via an onboard data connection channel of the machine 100. The processing unit 202 can include a processor 236 designed to receive signals (e.g., the first or the second signal) from one or more of the power source system 204, the seat system 206, the seat belt locking system 208, the lighting system 210, the work device system 212, the machine speed detection system 214, the location detection system 216, and the proximity detection system 218. In some embodiments, the processor 236 can be directly coupled to one or more of the power source 156, the operator seat 110, the seat belt assembly 158, the light source 128, the one or more work devices 130, 132, the one or more sensors 142, the sensor 118, and the sensors 144, and is designed to generate the first or the second signal.In such cases, the processor 236 is designed to include the functionality of one or more of the power source control 220, the seat control 222, the seat belt control 224, the lighting control 226, the work equipment control 228, the machine speed detection control 230, the location detection control 232 and the proximity detection control 234. The processor 236 is further coupled to the indicator 152 and designed to operate the indicator 152 based on the first or the second signal. According to various embodiments, the processor 236 is designed to activate the indicator 152 upon receiving the first signal and to deactivate the indicator 152 upon receiving the second signal, which indicates the non-operating state of the machine 100. In some embodiments, the processor 236 is designed to activate or deactivate the indicator 152 via a relay, a timer, or another electromechanical device. According to various embodiments, the first signal is indicative of the operating state of machine 100 and corresponds to one or more machine parameters in the operating state. Furthermore, the second signal is indicative of the non-operating state of machine 100 and corresponds to one or more machine parameters in the non-operating state. The operating state of machine 100 can represent that machine 100 is functioning, and the non-operating state can represent that machine 100 is not functioning. For example, if the operating state of power source 156 corresponds to the predefined operating state, it would correspond to the operating state, and if the operating state of power source 156 differs from the predefined operating state, it would correspond to the non-operating state. The one or more machine parameters can include one or more of the state of power source 156, the state of operator seat 110, the state of safety belt 120 of the safety belt assembly 158, the state of the working device 130, the state of movement of machine 100, the state of light source 128, the location of machine 100, and the proximity of the machine to an object other than machine 100.For example, if one or more machine parameters correspond to the location of machine 100, the state in which the location of machine 100 falls within the predefined location range corresponds to the operating state of machine 100. In such cases, the processing unit 202 is designed to activate the indicator 152, as shown in Fig. 3B. Furthermore, the state in which the location of machine 100 falls outside the predefined location range corresponds to the non-operating state of machine 100. In such cases, the processing unit 202 is designed to deactivate the indicator 152, as shown in Fig. 3A. If one or more machine parameters correspond to the proximity of the entity to machine 100, then the state in which the proximity falls within the predefined distance range corresponds similarly to the operating state of machine 100. In such cases, the processing unit 202 is configured to activate the indicator 152, as shown in Fig. 4B. Furthermore, the state in which the proximity falls outside the predefined distance range corresponds to the non-operating state of machine 100. In such cases, the processing unit 202 is configured to deactivate the indicator 152, as shown in Fig. 4A. In some embodiments, the one or more machine parameters and the predefined values ​​(e.g., predefined operating state, predefined speed value, and the like) associated with the one or more machine parameters are configurable based on the preferences of the operator of machine 100. In some embodiments, the processing unit 202 is designed to deactivate the indicator 152 after a predefined period has elapsed following the receipt of the second signal. The predefined period can be configured based on the preferences of the operator of the machine 100. Commercial applicability According to various embodiments, a method for operating the indicator 152 of the machine 100 includes activating the indicator 152 by the processing unit 202 based on the first signal to indicate the operating state of the machine 100. In some embodiments, the method further includes deactivating the indicator 152 by the processing unit 202 based on the second signal to indicate the non-operating state of the machine 100. The controllers 220, 222, 224, 226, 228, 230, 232, 234 and the processor 236 can be one or more processors, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, an electronic control module (ECM), an electronic control unit (ECU), or any other suitable means for monitoring the state of the power source. The power source control can be implemented using one or more control technologies, such as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), reduced instruction set computing (RISC) technology, complex instruction set computing (CISC) technology, or any other similar technology known today or to be developed in the future. The present disclosure provides a method and a system for automatically controlling the activation or deactivation of beacon lights based on the machine's operating state. This reduces the burden on the operator of manually activating or deactivating the beacon light each time they enter the machine. Furthermore, the one or more machine parameters and the predefined values ​​associated with these parameters, which indicate the operating state of the machine (100) or the processing unit (202), can be configured, thus providing a user (for example, an operator) with additional flexibility to control the activation or deactivation of the beacon lights (152).Furthermore, deactivating indicator 152 after the predefined period following receipt of the second signal from one or more machines or persons in the vicinity would provide sufficient time to move away from the machine (100). It is obvious to those skilled in the field that various modifications and variations can be made to the method and / or system of the present disclosure without deviating from the scope of the disclosure. Other embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art by considering the description and by practicing the method and / or system disclosed herein. The description and examples are intended to be considered merely illustrative, with the actual scope of the disclosure being specified by the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

Method for operating a beacon light (152) of a machine (100), the method comprising: activating, by a processing unit (202), the beacon light (152) based on a first signal indicating an operating state of the machine (100), wherein the first signal corresponds to one or more machine parameters in the operating state of the machine (100); deactivating, by the processing unit (202), the beacon light (152) based on a second signal indicating a non-operating state of the machine (100), wherein the second signal corresponds to one or more machine parameters in the non-operating state of the machine (100), wherein the processing unit (202) deactivates the beacon light (152) after the expiry of a predefined period of time due to the receipt of the second signal by the processing unit (202). The method of claim 1, wherein one or more machine parameters correspond to a state of a power source (156) of the machine (100), the method further comprising: determining, by means of a power system (220), an operating state of the power source (156) of the machine (100); generating the first signal by the power system (220) when the operating state of the power source (156) of the machine (100) corresponds to a predefined operating state; and generating the second signal by the power system (220) when the operating state of the power source (156) of the machine (100) deviates from the predefined operating state. The method of claim 1, wherein one or more machine parameters correspond to a state of an operator seat (110) of the machine (100), the method further comprising: detecting pressure exerted on the operator seat (110) of the machine (100) by a seat system (206); generating the first signal by the seat system (206) when the pressure exerted on the operator seat (110) of the machine (100) is greater than or equal to a predefined pressure value; and generating the second signal by the seat system (206) when the pressure exerted on the operator seat (110) of the machine (100) is less than the predefined pressure value. The method of claim 1, wherein one or more machine parameters correspond to a state of a safety belt (120) connected to a seat of the machine (100), the method further comprising: detecting the state of the safety belt (120) connected to the seat of the machine (100) by a safety belt locking system (208); generating the first signal by the safety belt locking system (208) when the state of the safety belt (120) connected to the seat of the machine (100) corresponds to a locked state; and generating the second signal by the safety belt locking system (208) when the state of the safety belt (120) connected to the seat of the machine (100) corresponds to an unlocked state. The method according to claim 1, wherein one or more machine parameters correspond to a state of a working device (130, 132) of the machine (100), the method further comprising: detecting the state of the working device (130, 132) of the machine (100) by a working device system (212); generating the first signal by the working device system (212) when the state of the working device (130, 132) of the machine (100) corresponds to a predefined working device state; and generating the second signal by the working device system (212) when the state of the working device (130, 132) of the machine (100) deviates from the predefined working device state. The method of claim 1, wherein one or more machine parameters correspond to a motion state of the machine (100), the method further comprising: detecting, by means of a machine speed detection system (214), the motion state of the machine (100); generating the first signal by the machine speed detection system (214) when the motion state of the machine (100) is greater than or equal to a predefined speed value; and generating the second signal by the machine speed detection system (214) when the motion state of the machine (100) is less than the predefined speed value. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more machine parameters correspond to a state of one or more light sources (128) installed on the machine (100), the method further comprising: detecting the state of the one or more light sources (128) installed on the machine (100) by a lighting system (210); generating the first signal by the lighting system (210) when the state of the one or more light sources (128) installed on the machine (100) corresponds to an active state of the one or more light sources (128); and generating the second signal by the lighting system (210) when the state of the one or more light sources installed on the machine (100) corresponds to an inactive state of the one or more light sources. The method of claim 1, wherein one or more machine parameters correspond to a location of the machine (100), the method further comprising: detecting the location of the machine (100) by a location detection system (216); generating the first signal by the location detection system (216) when the location of the machine (100) falls within a predefined location range; and generating the second signal by the location detection system (216) when the location of the machine (100) falls outside the predefined location range. The method of claim 1, wherein one or more machine parameters correspond to the proximity of the machine (100) to an object other than the machine (100), the method further comprising: detecting the proximity of the machine (100) to the object by a proximity detection system (218); generating the first signal by the proximity detection system (218) when the proximity of the machine (100) to the object falls within a predefined distance range; and generating the second signal by the proximity detection system (218) when the proximity of the machine (100) to the object falls outside the predefined distance range.

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