Object proximity detection and feedback system for a mining machine

A method for detecting an object within a vicinity of a mining machine, the method comprising:

• receiving, by an electronic processor, a signal from a sensor indicative of the object being positioned in the vicinity of the mining machine;
• determining, by the electronic processor, that the position of the object corresponds to a first segment of a virtual perimeter extending at least partially around the mining machine, the first segment associated with the first plurality of light sources;
• identifying, by the electronic processor, a first light source of the first plurality of light sources that is closest to the object;
• controlling, by the electronic processor, the first light source to repeatedly flash;
• controlling, by the electronic processor, a second light source of the first plurality of light sources to illuminate in a different manner than the first light source;
• receiving a second signal from the sensor indicative of a second object being positioned in the vicinity of the mining machine;
• determining that the position of the second object corresponds to the first segment of the virtual perimeter;
• determining which of the first object and the second object is the closest object to the mining machine;
• determining which of the first plurality of light sources is closest light source to the closest object;
• and
• controlling the closest light source to repeatedly flash.

A system for detecting an object within a vicinity of a mining machine, the system comprising:

• a sensor configured to secure to the mining machine;
• a first plurality of light sources configured to secure to the mining machine;
• and
• an electronic processor configured to:
• receive a signal from the sensor indicative of the object being positioned in the vicinity of the mining machine,
• determine that the position of the object corresponds to a first segment of a virtual perimeter extending at least partially around the mining machine, the first segment associated with the first plurality of light sources,
• identify a first light source of the first plurality of light sources that is closest to the object,
• control the first light source to illuminate in a first manner,
• control a second light source of the first plurality of light sources to illuminate in a second manner, the second manner different than the first manner,
• receive a second signal from the sensor indicative of a second object being positioned in the vicinity of the mining machine,
• determine that the position of the second object corresponds to the first segment of the virtual perimeter,
• determine which of the first object and the second object is the closest object to the mining machine,
• determine which of the first plurality of light sources is closest light source to the closest object, and
• control, based in part on a position of the closest object relative to the closest light source, the closest light source to illuminate in accordance with at least one of a particular color, a particular intensity, or a particular frequency.

A method for detecting an object within a vicinity of a mining machine, the method comprising:

• receiving, by an electronic processor, a signal from a sensor indicative of the object being positioned in the vicinity of the mining machine;
• determining, by the electronic processor, that the position of the object corresponds to a first segment of a virtual perimeter extending at least partially around the mining machine, the first segment associated with the first plurality of light sources;
• identifying, by the electronic processor, a first light source of the first plurality of light sources that is closest to the object;
• controlling, by the electronic processor, the first light source to illuminate in a first manner;
• controlling, by the electronic processor, a second light source of the first plurality of light sources to illuminate in a second manner, the second manner different than the first manner;
• receiving a second signal from the sensor indicative of a second object being positioned in the vicinity of the mining machine;
• determining that the position of the second object corresponds to the first segment of the virtual perimeter;
• determining which of the first object and the second object is the closest object to the mining machine;
• determining which of the first plurality of light sources is closest light source to the closest object;
• and
• controlling, based in part on a position of the closest object relative to the closest light source, the closest light source to illuminate in accordance with at least one of a particular color, a particular intensity, or a particular frequency.